Giving Back
Supporting hospitality’s workforce
13th July 2026
Ambassadeurs Group strengthens commitment to Hospitality Action in 2026
Throughout its 189-year history, Hospitality Action (HA) has consistently changed lives. Today, its work – providing financial, emotional and mental health support to those working across the hospitality sector – has never been more vital or relevant. It is for this reason that Ambassadeurs Group (AG) has again chosen HA as one of its key charities for 2026.
In 2025 the industry charity reached more people than ever before. Its financial impact exceeded £1.5m for the first time, delivering more meaningful support to individuals and families across the UK. More than £1m was distributed in hardship grants, assisting 835 households and supporting 495 children. It demonstrates both the scale of the need, and the tangible difference HA continues to make.
HA supports individuals across the full spectrum of the industry, from concierges and receptionists to sommeliers and chefs. In 2026, AG will donate £40,000 to HA’s grant-giving programme, directly supporting those facing housing insecurity, financial hardship, and mental health challenges, issues that remain prevalent across the sector.
A targeted £40,000 donation
Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of HA, explains that AG’s contribution will be directed where it is needed most. ‘The prospect of homelessness is a critical area where we can intervene early,’ he says. ‘People can quickly fall into spirals of debt and are forced to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table.’
HA plays a crucial role in helping individuals access support systems they may not be aware of. In 2025 alone, the charity unlocked £537,000 in unclaimed state benefits, thanks to their specialist in-house benefits support service, ensuring vital funds reached those entitled to them. The charity is now on track to match pound for pound money donated via its grants programme with a commensurate amount of benefit entitlement.
The hospitality sector continues to face challenges and so the work of HA remains key for many workers. Importantly, HA’s support extends beyond financial aid. Its confidential helpline and specialist services provide counselling, practical advice and signposting. The charity also offers a gold standard Employee Assistance Programme, accredited mental health first aid training and mental health resources, designed specifically for hospitality workers who often face long hours, job insecurity, and high-pressure environments.
The charity receives no government funding and every pound spent is raised thanks to the commitment of their supporters. Astrid Wears-Taylor, Fundraising and Events Director at HA said: “Hospitality is a wonderful and unique industry, and HA only exists thanks to the generosity of spirit, sense of community and desire to make a difference that embodies the industry we serve. The fact that our overall financial impact has exceeded £1.5 million for the first time demonstrates both the generosity of our supporters and the growing level of need across the sector.”
Making a real difference
Mark explains that everything is interlinked. ‘When you are vulnerable financially or physically it impacts your mental health. Our confidential helpline is there to support people and we often hear at we take the time to talk about people’s troubles – we make people feel like human beings. We are here to support and find a way through.
‘To do that, we need businesses like AG by our side. We’re there for people at their lowest and most vulnerable moments, and partnerships like this helps ensure we can continue our essential assistance.’
Stories like that of award-winning chef Matt Davies illustrate this impact. Following a life-changing accident that resulted in the amputation of his lower left arm, Matt faced the loss of both his livelihood and identity after a 40-year career. By initially contacting HA’s emergency support line, he accessed financial assistance. But he also got emotional support that continued after the immediate need. Matt describes it simply: ‘HA put its arms around me.’
The idea of an industry body that can support in this way, resonates with the team at AG. With businesses including Les Ambassadeurs Club and No. 6 Hamilton Place, AG employs a significant number of hospitality professionals and understands the pressures faced within the industry.
Krishna Hathi, Charity Initiatives Adviser at AG, explains: ‘We know that housing insecurity, financial hardship, and mental health challenges continue to affect many working in hospitality. It is an industry that can be both demanding and, at times, precarious. Our continued support for HA ensures that more individuals can access essential funding, guidance, and support when they need it most.’
A bit more about Hospitality Action
The last six years have been transformational for our industry, the people who work within it and for Hospitality Action too. In 2025 Hospitality Action delivered counselling sessions to almost 3,000 people. It issued 373 Winter Fuel Grants and connected more than 2,000 people through its Golden Friends retiree outreach scheme.
