Jeremy Dixon: Champion for Mental Health and Speciality Food service Industry Veteran

This week's guest on The Burnt Chef Journal is Jeremy Dixon! Jeremy has dedicated the past 15 years of his career to the speciality foodservice industry, and is currently at the helm of Ochil Foods, a business that was originally established by his parents 35 years ago. Together with David Laing, Jeremy strives to continue and expand upon their legacy to serve Scotland’s chef.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jeremy lives with bi-polar affective disorder, an experience that has profoundly shaped his perspective on life and mental health. His journey has included over a year spent in NHS Mental Hospitals, where he encountered some of the most remarkable and talented individuals. These interactions have fuelled his passion for mental health advocacy and inspired him to help others achieve their full potential.

In his spare time, Jeremy has been laying the groundwork for Empath Centres—centres of excellence dedicated to teaching life skills to those entangled in the mental health system. This system often leads individuals to rely on sickness benefits, which can exacerbate their challenges. The Empath Centres aim to break this cycle by offering apprenticeships across various fields such as business, the arts, the armed forces, and education. Their goal is to guide individuals towards meaningful career paths and fulfilling lives.

Through Empath Centres, Jeremy is committed to creating opportunities that empower people to thrive, leveraging their unique talents and abilities. He believes that with the right support and guidance, everyone can lead a productive and rewarding life.

Take a listen to this episode as Jeremy shares his personal experiences and how he aims to support others.

www.ochilfoods.co.uk