Introducing
Smart Serve Cares, a program providing FREE Mental Health support and resources for hospitality in Ontario to those who possess a Valid Smart Serve Certificate.
The hospitality sector is under immense pressure facing an alarming rate of mental health crisis and substance use, reaching an inflection point. Based on a research report from Not 9 to 5, those working as front-line staff in food and beverage have reported experiencing a ripple effect of burnout (87%), depression (77%), and high levels of anxiety (84%). Only 38% of respondents said they sought professional help with 62% who said they did not, citing financial reasons as the main barrier.
Ready to access free mental health support?
Check out the Smart Serve Cares Video
Background
On May 9, 2024, Smart Serve Ontario launched Smart Serve Cares, a campaign set to not only demonstrate its commitment to a more supportive and empathetic industry environment and the well-being of hospitality workers, but to bring awareness to the mental health challenges of the sector and provide the support and resources necessary to those who would otherwise not have access to mental health services through their employers. Smart Serve is tackling the stigma of talking about mental health and substance use in the hospitality industry head-on.
Smart Serve Ontario is an active participant in helping to change the culture and behaviour of all who engage in the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol. In partnership with Not 9 to 5 a Canadian non-profit leader in mental health education and advocacy for hospitality professionals, and GreenShield Canada’s only national non-profit health and benefits provider. Smart Serve is launching this ground-breaking campaign, demonstrating its commitment to improving the wellbeing of those in the hospitality sector.
Who We Are
Meet the Organizations behind this Campaign
Sign Up Today with Smart Serve Cares.
Use code "SMARTSERVE" when prompted
Benefits
We are directly impacting over 550,000 Ontario Hospitality and Tourism workers with our program. All valid Smart Serve Certificate Holders will be able to access:
3 Hours of Virtual Mental Health Counselling (MAP)
The Members Assistance Program, available through GreenShield, will provide accessible and personalized care across the health spectrum for **3 hours** of counselling for you (and your dependents, if applicable) plus couples therapy (if applicable).
This program provides ongoing access to secure support from the counsellor who best suits your needs and health professionals who can help you reach your total well-being goals. Accessing support is simple and convenient. Therapy sessions can be easily booked online and delivered through a secure and encrypted platform by video or phone. The Member Assistance Program is confidential, voluntary, and accessible at your convenience.
Digital CBT
Digital CBT, provided by GreenShield Health, is a digital program that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Digital CBT) to help people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression achieve their wellness goals. Our interactive learning modules, tools, and coaching help you develop positive coping strategies and reduce life-disrupting symptoms without waiting. Regular in-app reminders and guided coaching ensure you stay motivated on your Digital CBT journey to reach your mental health goals. Available in both self-led and coach-led models.
Pharmacy
The GreenShield Pharmacy offers personalized clinical services to help you manage your prescriptions, health, and pharmacy needs from the comfort of your home. The pharmacy allows you to connect with a pharmacist easily and provides free medication delivery anywhere in Canada. You also have access to caregiver tools and chronic disease management.
Did You Know?
The numbers don’t lie
87
Of front-line staff in food and beverage have reported burnout.
77
Of front-line staff in food and beverage have reported depression.
84
Of front-line staff in food and beverage have reported high-levels of anxiety.
62
Did not seek professional help, citing financial reasons as the main barrier.
F.A.Q.
Frequently asked questions
We've put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about the Smart Cares Campaign
What did Smart Serve announce?
On May 9th, 2024, Smart Serve announced the launch of the “Smart Serve Cares” campaign and collaborative effort with industry leader Not 9 to 5, a Canadian non-profit dedicated to mental health education and advocacy for hospitality professionals, and GreenShield, Canada’s only non-profit health and benefits company.
What is Smart Serve Cares?
Smart Serve Cares is a timely campaign that aims to bring much-needed awareness to the significant mental health and substance use challenges faced by those working in hospitality. The initiative will provide essential and free mental health services to individuals holding an active Smart Serve certificate.
Why is it needed?
The hospitality sector is under immense pressure facing an alarming rate of mental health crisis and substance use, reaching an inflection point. Based on a research report from Not 9 to 5, those working as front-line staff in food and beverage have reported experiencing a ripple effect of burnout (87%), depression (77%), and high levels of anxiety (84%). Only 38% of respondents said they sought professional help with 62% who said they did not, citing financial reasons as the main barrier.
How does Smart Serve Cares work?
Through Smart Serve Cares program, hospitality professionals 18+ living in Ontario who are Smart Serve certified have access to:
- 3 hours of free virtual mental health counselling provided by GreenShield Health.
- Online access to GreenShield’s self-guided Digital CBT.
- Unlimited access to online resources, articles and educational materials from health experts via GreenShield.
- Free access to Not 9 to 5 CNECTed workplace mental health certification (coming later in 2024).
What is Not 9 to 5?
Not 9 to 5 is a non-profit global leader in mental health education and advocacy for the hospitality and culinary sector. Not 9 to 5 empowers industry professionals with practical skills and tools to create meaningful community change. Its vision is physical and psychological safety for everyone in the hospitality and culinary workforce. Not 9 to 5 aims to normalize workplace mental health training, access to accommodations and healthcare benefits, community care support and resources for all.
What is GreenShield?
GreenShield is an integrated health and benefits organization and the first organization in Canada to operate as a payer-provider – offering insurance, administering benefits, and paying claims as a ‘payer’ while offering health services such as mental health, pharmacy, and telemedicine services as a ‘provider.’ Integrating both sides of the payer-provider equation enables GreenShield to simplify access to care, remove administrative barriers, and improve health outcomes for its customers.
GreenShield is uniquely structured as a non-profit social enterprise that reinvests its earnings and redeploys its services to support equity-seeking Canadian communities via its social impact brand, GreenShield Cares. The company’s overarching goal is to generate $75 million of social impact investments to improve the lives of at least 1 million Canadians by 2025, focusing on mental health, oral health, and essential medicines. As the industry’s noble challenger, GreenShield continues to innovate, evolving its offerings and services to deepen its purpose of championing better health for all.
How do I access CNECTed?
Through this campaign, those who are Smart Serve certified will have access to Not 9 to 5’s CNECTed workplace mental health certification later in 2024. CNECTed is online self-led and a great first step for anyone in hospitality who wants to learn more about how to develop psychological safety, harm reduction and more. Throughout the course participants learn skills and tools to address the unique mental health and substance use challenges of the industry while also hearing from hospitality professionals in interviews and stories. CNECT stands for Change Needs Everyone Coming Together because we all play a role in improving workplace mental health in hospitality. CNECTed certification is for everyone but ideal for managers or anyone in leadership.
How do I access GreenShield?
Creating a Smart Serve Cares Account with GreenShield
1. Navigate to app.greenshieldplus.ca
2. Click “Sign Up”
3. Click on “Through an employer or organization” radio button.
4. Click “Continue“
5. Click “I have an Organization Code” radio button.
6. Then click “Continue”.
7. Click the “Email” field and insert your preferred email address.
8. Click “Continue”.
9. Insert the “Verification Code”, that was sent to your email, into the Verification Code field.
10. Click “Continue”.
11. Click the “Organization code” field.
12. Type “SMARTSERVE”.
13. Click “Continue”.
14. Click the “Your Smart Serve Certificate Number” field and insert your Valid Smart Serve Certificate Number.
Having problems remembering your valid Certificate Number? Just log into your online account [www.smartserve.ca] and click the “My Results Tab” to view, save, download, or print your certification.
15. Once entered, Click “Continue”.
16. Fill out the “Personal Details” fields.
17. Once all your details are entered, please Click “Continue”.
18. Fill out your “Contact Details” in the fields provided.
19. One completed, please Click “Continue”.
20. Click the “Password Field” and insert a password for your account.
21. Click “Continue”.
22. Congratulations! You can now “Sign In” to the GreenShield Portal.
How do I find a therapist?
By filling out a short assessment, GreenShield they will generate a list of counsellors best suited to your needs and preferences. Choose your counsellors based on clinical fit, cultural background, language, therapy approach and more. Therapy sessions can be easily booked online and delivered through a secure and encrypted platform by video or phone.
I don’t feel ready for virtual therapy yet. How can I get started on my own?
Through Smart Serve Cares, certificate holders have access to complimentary digital CBT, an online program that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help with anxiety and depressions, and can be self-directed. As well, you can access a variety of different mental health articles through GreenShield to help you understand types of therapy, a guide to building mental health goals, and more.
Where can I find additional mental health resources?
Visit GreenShield’s wellness hub to access a variety of different articles on mental health and more.
How do I know if my Smart Serve is Valid?
Just log into your online account (www.smartserve.ca) and hit the ‘My Results’ tab to view, save, download, or print your certification. Your Smart Serve certificate is Valid for 5 Years. Trouble logging in? Click “Forgot your password” and follow the instructions.
