We were celebrating at Laurel Court in Huddersfield yesterday at the launch of our on-site skills development kitchen by whipping up some baking!

Our supported living service on Primrose Hill caters for people with learning disabilities who live in 26 independent apartments with support from staff.

Team Leader, Jamie Cooper, said the bespoke kitchen is being used to hold interactive cooking sessions for all at Laurel Court, including those temporarily living at the scheme as part of the emergency respite care it offers.

“Our customers have been involved from the start. One customer chose the name ‘Rusty Chef’ as “we are all a bit rusty” explained Jamie.

The kitchen has been specially designed to ensure its accessibility to all those living at Laurel Court. Not only are those who live at the centre able to demonstrate and develop their culinary skills, they will also eventually cook the fruit and vegetables produced at two nearby allotments, which are being transformed into therapeutic sensory gardens ready for planting.

Customers shared their baking skills with cakes for visitors, including their families, social workers and occupational therapists, at the launch of the kitchen. There was also an opportunity to get active with dance therapy group, Beat It.

Charity Church Housing Trust contributed funds towards all three parts of the project – gardening at two local allotments, communal cooking sessions, and the production of a specially designed cookery book – that will together form one holistic programme designed to have a positive impact on the wellbeing, social and living skills of the customers there.

Church Housing Trust Director, Miriam Morris, said: “We’re really pleased to provide funding for Laurel Court’s Grow and Cook project. It will help the individuals living there to recognise and prepare good food, from the ground up. Many people who have taken part in similar projects that we have funded at other Riverside schemes have discovered a passion for gardening or cooking that becomes their vocation.”

Research from the University of Bath’s Centre for Education and Environment, found that the more people are involved in food growing and cooking experiences the more likely it is they will experience positive messages about healthy eating and positive lifestyles. Gardening and cooking also leads to acquiring more skills and being physically active. ⁽¹⁾

Customers a Laurel Court rent the 26 self-contained flats and live independently with support to reach their full potential, build on life skills and increase their quality of life.

Source: University of Bath: The Benefit of Food Growing in Schools for Local Communities – June 2014 – Garden Organic.