The Friendly Food Club is looking to expand its free community cooking sessions to more areas of West Dorset following their success in Weymouth.
Adults of all ages and cooking abilities attend the charity’s weekly sessions in Littlemoor and Park Community Centre, where they learn new cooking techniques, improve their confidence, and socialise, all whilst preparing a healthy dish to eat together or take home.
Friendly Food Club tutor Mark Heath leads the Monday morning group at St Francis Church in Littlemoor, where the tables are full most weeks.
He said: “We welcome a wide range of people, from those who want to feel more confident to cook from scratch for their families, to older people who welcome the opportunity to socialise, and also people who are new to the area. It’s a very relaxed setting, we provide the food and do a brief demo and then people follow the recipe, adding or substituting ingredients to suit their tastes and dietary requirements.
“The result is tasty, inexpensive and nutritious food prepared alongside lots of chatting and laughter. No one ever leaves without a sense of achievement, some delicious food and a smile on their face.”
Couple Vicky and Mike say the classes have helped them tackle health and diet changes resulting from illness. Mike said: “Vicky is a great cook, but illness has affected her mobility in recent times, and I have started cooking more. We are both diabetic and are trying to lose weight. These classes have helped us explore new healthy recipes and to also cook together. It also gets us out and we enjoy it. We come over from Portland and would love to see a group like this set up there.”
Tim and Jim now know each other through the group and paired up to make a Tagine dish. Jim said: “I love coming along. It’s very sociable and we cook some great meals which I can then take home and enjoy. I try new vegetables and spices as much as possible and have a great time, chatting and laughing.”
Susanna agreed: “I live alone and mostly eat salads because it’s easier. I came with someone originally but liked it so much I feel comfortable to come on my own. It’s great to have all the ingredients here ready. There is a recipe to follow but Mark and the volunteers are very helpful if you need them. I leave with a healthy hot meal to take home and enjoy in the evening.”
Amber has come to the group with her grandmother Pat. She said: “I have four children and one of them is a very picky eater. Through these classes I have found ways to hide all sorts of vegetables in dishes she enjoys. I’ve also learned more about bulk cooking, which helps when we are such a busy family.”
Paula agreed: “I have been coming to the session for just over a year. I have a family, and I work and while my cooking’s not terrible, I am learning new skills all the time. I really enjoy trying out the varied recipes and getting ideas for new meals to make with my children.”
Nicky Markerson became a volunteer for The Friendly Food Club after losing her job and says it has opened up doors to new skills and an exciting, new career:
“Attending the Friendly Food Club got me out of the house after the shock of losing my job of 21 years.
“When I became a volunteer, it boosted my confidence. I love seeing people mix and bond over good food.
“My new skills also led to me going back to college and I now have an admin role and hope to train as a Learner Support Assistant with Weymouth College. The Friendly Food Club has changed my life for the better.”
In 2023 the charity helped 2,022 people in the west of Dorset.
CEO of The Friendly Food Club Liz Guilmant-Cush is encouraging more community, parent and family groups across Dorset to host the free sessions and would like to connect with local companies interested in supporting Friendly Food Club programmes in their communities. Companies and organisations keen to get involved are asked to visit: www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org
The Friendly Food Club’s free cooking sessions are bringing a wide cross section of the community together to cook and enjoy healthy food in Weymouth