The Friendly Food Club receives £2,957 Community Funding for community cookery workshops

The Friendly Food Club works in partnership with grass-roots community and health organisations to deliver cookery workshops, build confidence and self-esteem among a range of vulnerable, disadvantaged individuals and communities. This project is for Beaufort, Southbourne, and Bournemouth communities. The funding from Abri will provide an introductory event for up to 100 people; seven free two-course cookery sessions, and a take home cook box. 

Liz Guilmant-Cush, Project Manager at The Friendly Food Club, said: “This project wouldn’t be able to proceed without Abri’s support. It is a little while since we have been able to run a project in this area, so we are delighted to be able to support a group that is motivated and committed to improving their community. 

“Eating together is a brilliant way to get people talking and break down social barriers, whilst food preparation demands teamwork as well as developing many useful life skills, possibly providing skills for employment. The Meet Cook & Eat project takes a pro-active interventionist approach by re-kindling or developing skills leading to more confidence, resilience and independence, promoting more engagement with neighbours, community services and support agencies. Social cooking activities have been shown to be a positive activity for those with mental health issues, learning difficulties, isolation, depression and social anxiety, the elderly, and generally those that require help with social interaction.”

The Community Fund is part of Abri’s commitment to empowering lives and creating thriving communities, making them better places to live. Abri is one of the south of England’s largest housing providers and awarded over £65,000 from its Community Fund to support local organisations and projects between April 2021-March 2022. 

Applications are decided on by its customer panel – Thriving Communities – made up of customers and those living in its communities. Carrie Woods, Chair of the Thriving Communities Panel, said: “We really like this project as it brings the social aspect together with cooking. It makes it a much more fun experience learning new skills if you aren’t confident with other people. It also helps children learn to cook and learn all about food.”

Other successful applications for Abri’s Community Fund include:

• £1,125 to The Cowshed, near Reading for Noahs Boxes – a kitchen essentials kit of 35+ items to support those going into their own accommodation.  
• £3,000 to Level Up Gosport to support young people in Gosport learn employability skills through community volunteering. 
• £3,000 to The Baby Bank in Windsor for their sleeping and playing safely project, helping families facing financial difficulties. 

Liz explains how you can get involved and support the ‘meet, cook and eat’ project: “We will be looking for volunteers to help with the project and provide longer term support in the area. People wishing to get involved or take part in the project should contact us at thefriendlyfoodclub@gmail.com.”

Cita Jagot, Communities & Involvement Manager at Abri, said: “We believe the best ideas often come from the people who know and live in our communities. And we’re committed to supporting and investing in our communities. We’re proud of the difference our Community Fund makes, driving change, transforming our communities, providing opportunities, and supporting people during the rising cost of living. It’s what our Community Strategy and five-year £15m investment is all about – empowering communities, improving health and wellbeing, and providing employment opportunities.”  

Abri’s Community Fund opens for applications four times a year, and organisations can apply for up to £3,000 to support a project in one of Abri’s communities. The next application window opens on 1 July and closes on 20 September.  

You can find out more about The Friendly Food Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefriendlyfoodclub

Find out more at www.abri.co.uk.