[E]very Monday, Shaddongate Community Resource Centre welcomes a group of budding home cooks from the Glenmore Trust’s Practical Cookery project, facilitated by Kathryn Todd.
Kathryn tells us a little more about the group and why they use Shaddongate: “The Practical Cookery project/course is for existing and potential new service users of The Glenmore Trust; people with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties, alongside other vulnerable and potentially disadvantaged people of the local community. It is an engaging, interesting and fun session, led by a qualified and experienced practitioner. Participants are taught basic principles of cooking and baking, alongside the appropriate supporting food hygiene and health and safety basics.
“Each participant is provided with the opportunity to choose a two-course meal in accordance with their own preferences e.g. ingredients, cost, budget etc. which is then cooked the following week. The aim is for participants to utilise the skills learnt at these sessions back in their home environment and replicate their chosen dishes.
“Participants may also have the opportunity to gain a Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene, as well as fundamental skills such as shopping on a restricted budget (maths).
“Participants are encouraged to provide constructive criticism of each session, not only the dishes they have eaten but also the cooking methods and time constraints of each dish or recipe.
Several participants have attended the sessions since the inception of them in 2016. They enjoy the social inclusion aspects of cooking and baking together and value the opportunity to enjoy eating a nutritious, hot or cold meal together in pleasant surroundings.”
Why Shaddongate? “The Shaddongate Resource Centre is an excellent venue for the Practical Cookery Project as it is a modern building, is spotlessly clean; bright and airy with great access for people with disabilities. The kitchen is large and very functional with a good range of equipment, which is regularly serviced and tested. The kitchen also has great access to an adjoining room where food can be prepared in a seated area and then used later for everyone to sit and enjoy the dishes that have been created. We really enjoy using Shaddongate – we always get a great welcome and are always well looked after.”
We also asked some of the group to share their experiences:
Stephen said: “I live on my own, so had to learn to cook. It’s easy to get here for me and I’ve even donated equipment for the group to use. I also get to try out my impressions!”
Mathew went on to tell us: “I like learning how to cook and we have a good laugh’ with Kathryn adding, ‘It’s nice because we get to meet people.”
Cumbria CVS love having the group at the Shaddongate every week: “It’s great to see our kitchen facility being used for a great cause and the smells that fill the building are lovely too!
“We are always looking for new groups who can make use of this community resource and so if you are looking for a space for your community group or somewhere to hold a meeting and/or an event please contact me Steve Golding on 01768 800350 or email [email protected].”
The Glenmore Trust Practical Cookery sessions run every Monday from 10am – 1pm at Cumbria CVS, Shaddongate Resource Centre, Shaddongate,
Carlisle CA2 5TY and they welcome new members.
The weekly cost for participants is £7 includes ingredients/food.
For further details contact: [email protected]
