Team Cuisine (Cooking Classes)

Organisation: New Start Highland

This organisation was successful!

Following a “Cuppa and Cake” consultation held at The Family Centre with local families, participants expressed a desire to cook and eat together in a fun and social environment; reflecting a life skills orientated service which currently does not exist in the Merkinch and South Kessock community.

In response to this community request we want to create a fun and educational way of teaching families to cook healthy, nutritious meals they can enjoy together.

Each course will be held in The Family Centre, in the heart of Merkinch, and will run for 6 weeks. It will involve up to 4 families participating for around 3 hours over consecutive weeks, 26 families in total. The courses will run after school time, and if convenient, during school holidays. The total project duration will be around 10 months.

Our cooking instructor will assist participants develop new cooking skills, prepare a variety of recipes and dishes, learn about how to batch cook, buy on a budget, cut down on waste, and enjoy a family meal at the conclusion of each session. Participants will have the opportunity to earn a food hygiene certificate and receive a kitchen pack (e.g., pots, pans, utensils, cutlery).

Each family will have the opportunity to discuss their preferences, suggest new recipes, and take an active role in shaping how our project is delivered.

Our project shall create a safe space for children and young people whilst providing activities designed to stimulate enjoyment, education and fun for all the family.

Amount requested: £4,988.

Supports will be offered from the Family Centre – Inverness and families will be invited along to other groups and activities. 

Families will experience cooking and eating together, strengthening relationships with their family but also with other people within the community,  helping to build community networks and connections, form friendships, peer support and reduce isolation.  Learning new skills together will support communication between participants, between families, and they will enjoy the social aspect of sitting round a table experiencing what they have made and chatting to each other.  

Additionally, learning to cook on a budget can alleviate financial stress by helping families make the most of their food resources. Participants will also develop a greater appreciation for differing foods, flavours and recipes. The practical skills and knowledge gained from the course can empower individuals, boosting their confidence and self-efficacy in the kitchen and beyond.

Our course is also a pathway to a wide range of support services we can offer our local community; such as our furniture service, energy advice, numeracy courses, housing support, employment training and volunteering opportunities, all of which can contribute to happier, more fulfilled families which lead to a more cohesive, healthier, and resilient Merkinch community.

Link to priorities identified for the local area by children and young people: 

• Learning and activities in the local community
• Create safe spaces, more things to do and more choices.

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