Tavern Staff & Hospitality Workers

You Pour the Drinks. You Hear the Stories.

Tavern staff are often the first to notice when someone’s not okay—long before friends or family do. You’re trusted with secrets, heartbreaks, and heavy moments. This training helps bartenders, servers, and hospitality workers recognize signs of distress, know what to say, and guide people toward support without crossing professional boundaries. You don’t have to fix everything—you just need to know how to respond when it counts.

A blue shirt with a sticker on it that says `` do n't bottle it up ''.
A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a black curtain.

HopeKit for Bars & Taverns

A toolkit designed just for you.

Our HopeKit for tavern staff includes conversation starters, suicide prevention materials, and discreet resources you can keep behind the bar or hand out as needed. It’s not about becoming a counselor—it’s about knowing what to do when a regular starts spiraling or someone leaves a concerning tip on their way out. The kit is free, and built to fit your environment.

A gnome is sitting on a table next to a stack of coasters.
A woman is standing behind a bar holding two mugs.

What You’ll Learn

Tools to handle hard moments between orders.

  • How to recognize subtle signs of suicidal thinking or emotional crisis
  • What to say (and not say) when someone opens up at the bar
  • How to offer support without putting yourself at risk
  • Strategies for de-escalating intense situations
  • How to refer someone to HOPELINE™ or another resource discreetly
  • Ways to take care of your own mental health in a high-stress job

This training can be delivered in-person or online, in under an hour, and is a great fit for staff meetings, training days, or onboarding.

Tavern Staff Training FAQs

Real answers for real situations.

  • Is this training meant to turn me into a therapist?

    Not at all. This training is built specifically for hospitality workers—not mental health professionals. It gives you tools for spotting and responding to distress without stepping outside your role or taking on more than you should.

  • What if I say the wrong thing to someone in crisis?

    The fear of “messing up” is totally normal—but silence can be more dangerous. This training helps you feel confident in having direct, compassionate conversations without needing the perfect words. You’ll learn how to respond calmly and safely.

  • Do we have to train our whole staff, or can individuals join?

    We offer both options. You can book a training for your entire bar, restaurant, or hospitality team—or you can sign up individually if you want to take it on your own. We also partner with Tavern Leagues across Wisconsin and beyond to offer wider access.

  • Is there a lot of reading or homework involved?

    Nope. This training is designed to be easy to follow, fast-moving, and hands-on. You’ll get clear examples, practical tools, and resources you can use immediately—no textbook, no quiz, no stress.

  • How can I get a HopeKit for my bar?

    You can request one using the form on this page. The HopeKit includes printed materials, resource cards, and instructions on how to use them discreetly and respectfully. We’ll ship it straight to your business or give it to you during training.