People in Malvern took part in a series of hands‑on healthy eating and cooking sessions this summer, helping them build confidence, develop practical life skills and learn more about nutritious food.
The sessions took place at Jacks Place, a therapeutic, community‑based day centre on a farm in Berrow. The organisation supports disabled adults, older adults and young people.
Across 10 sessions, participants prepared a range of healthy meals including vegetable pasta bake, barbecue chicken wraps, vegetable frittatas and sausage casserole using fresh vegetables, herbs, and eggs from the farm.
They learned how to chop and prepare ingredients safely, follow recipes, measure portions, plan meals and work together as a group.
The combination of cooking, growing and shared mealtimes helped build confidence, independence and social skills, while improving understanding of healthy eating and nutrition.
Participants reflected on what they learnt:
Linda said: “It was really nice. I liked it because we were talking about healthy food. I liked the pasta dish the best. We learnt how to eat healthy and not to eat too much junk food. Overall, I really enjoyed it.”
Jack said: “Very nice, very healthy. It was good to cook different stuff, and I liked all the meals. We grew some garlic and cress and helped chop peppers, cucumber and other vegetables. We had to be careful with the knife as it was very sharp. We had lots of fun and I found it very interesting.”
Leighton added: “We learned how to prepare healthy meals. All the food we cooked was good and we learned how to cook it all. We helped lay the table and the course was fun.”
Staff also saw the difference the project made:
Terrie, who led the sessions, said: “People learned how to budget, prepare vegetables, follow recipes and measure ingredients. There was great interaction within the group and everyone enjoyed working together. We also grew garlic, herbs, onions, and potatoes. The growing was a bit hit and miss at first due to weather and watering, but since moving everything into a raised bed and with better sunshine, the plants are now thriving.”
The project, supported by a Public Health grant, has had a positive and lasting impact, helping people gain confidence, develop essential life skills and make healthier lifestyle choices.
To find out more about Jack’s Place, please visit: Trusted Care in the Community in Malvern – Exceptional Care in the Community in Malvern
If you have a creative idea to boost wellbeing in your community, you can apply for a public health grant via our website: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants