NACC and HCA host seminar on sustainability and mental health

From Green Choices to Healthy Minds

The AJ Bell Stadium in Salford recently buzzed with energy as the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) North Region & HCA Winter Seminar unfolded under the theme: "From Green Choices to Healthy Minds: Zeroing In on Sustainability and Mental Health." With an agenda packed full of insightful talks, inspiring speakers, and festive networking, this year’s event hit all the right notes, leaving its 150 attendees informed, motivated, and ready to implement positive changes in their own catering operations.

A Festive Start with a Sustainable Touch

The day began with a warm welcome from David Barker, NACC north region chair, who began by thanking headline sponsors Rational and Bidfood, as well as the exhibitors who contributed to the seminar’s Christmas market-themed mini exhibition. True to the event’s sustainability focus, printed agendas were replaced with QR codes on delegate name badges, enabling attendees to access the agenda, speaker profiles, and attendee list on their phones.

Following David’s welcome, Richard Priestley, Board Director for HCA Yorkshire Region, provided an update on the HCA, by showing a short video celebrating the NACC’s achievements over the past year, which underlined the organisation’s dedication to implementing meaningful changes in the care catering sector.

David Barker then reminded attendees why this seminar’s theme mattered so deeply. He said: “Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. Today, we’ll explore the critical connections between the food we eat, mental health, and the sustainability of our practices. Together, we can shape a future that’s healthier for both people and the planet.”

Inspiring Insights and Practical Advice

The morning line-up of speakers ensured no delegate left without actionable ideas and plenty of inspiration:

• Max Kindred, the net zero senior insight manager at NHS England, delivered an engaging session on Sustainable Menu Planning, offering practical tips to reduce both environmental and financial costs. A leader in the Greener NHS initiative, Max emphasised that sustainable practices can also make our menus healthier and more enjoyable.
• Caron Longden, the head of business development, Food for Life, is known for her work in promoting local, sustainable ingredients, She spoke passionately during a presentation entitled: “Solving the World’s Problems Through Food” and her insights inspired delegates to rethink the impact of their ingredient choices on both health and the planet.
• Tony Stanway from the National Association for Safety & Health in Care Services, brought a fresh perspective to health and safety, during which he made clear that integrating effective safety practices can have a profound impact on the well-being of staff and clients alike.
• Jamie Clewes, speaking on behalf of The Burnt Chef Project, shared a deeply personal talk on mental health in the catering industry, where he shone a light on the pressures faced by kitchen staff and the invaluable support offered by The Burnt Chef Project.
• Haleh Moravej, the keynote speaker, captivated the audience with her presentation, “Healthy Gut, Happy Minds,” which uncovered the vital role diet plays in mental health. Her infectious energy and ground-breaking ideas left a lasting impression.
• Caroline Hill, a freelance dietitian, introduced ‘icesupp’, a frozen alternative to traditional food supplements and spoke about its practicality and nutritional value in care settings.
• Heather Dolan a nutritionist from Bidfood, wrapped up the morning with an insightful talk on the benefits of using frozen versus fresh ingredients and highlighted both the environmental and nutritional advantages.

Each speaker was presented with a small thank-you gift from David Barker as a token of appreciation.

Festive Networking

After a delicious lunch of hot turkey barms with dirty mayo and winter slaw, which was kindly provided and prepared by Rationa,l the event shifted gears. Delegates were treated to an afternoon of networking, demonstrations, and a Christmas Market-style exhibition.

The festive atmosphere encouraged everyone to engage with exhibitors, participate in prize-winning games, and forge new connections. The competitive spirit was alive and well, with some delegates taking the games very seriously indeed  - there’s always one!

A Memorable Close

The day concluded with the announcement of game winners, lively prize presentations, and heartfelt thanks from David Barker, who expressed his gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors for making the seminar such a success. And before wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe journey home, he reminded delegates of their role as changemakers, saying: “The knowledge and connections you’ve gained today are the tools to drive positive change. Let’s commit to making choices that benefit our planet and our well-being.”

With its engaging speakers, festive atmosphere, and actionable takeaways, the NACC North Region & HCA Winter Seminar proved to be more than just an event—it was a celebration of progress, collaboration, and the power of making sustainable and mindful choices.

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