There’s an interveiw with Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal about their work with the Ark Foundation, which supports those in the catering industry around alcohol and other drug problems.
Jamie Oliver describes why he’s involved:
At Fifteen we want to attract people from disadvantaged backgrounds who need a chance, and I realise that many of them will have experience of alcohol and other drugs.
You taught me this: the fact that statistically a percentage, and in our situation at Fifteen a higher percentage, will have problems which need addressing. That’s why we’re so proactive in their support and education. What we would have done without you I have no idea, and that’s why I want you involved in our selection process and as a part of the curriculum.
Blumenthal has similar motivations:
What you and the Ark give our staff is education on the effects of alcohol and other drugs on behaviour, thought patterns and performance. We benefit from a highly committed staff in Bray, but they’re not immune to dealing with stress and pressure by increasing alcohol intake. I think at one time or another we’ve all done that.
Filed under: drug education , The Ark Foundation
