Cooking programmes
CREATING SPACES TO COOK, CONNECT AND THRIVE
For more than 14 years, we have used cooking as a tool for social change, working alongside individuals, communities and partner organisations across Bristol. Through our cooking programmes, people can learn practical skills, improve access to nourishing food, connect with others and take part in supportive activities that build confidence and belonging.
We run a wide range of programmes for adults, young people and families, including open-access community cookery sessions, employability training, refugee and asylum support, recovery programmes, outdoor cooking and nature-based activities, and bespoke projects developed with our partners.
Looking for support?
Many of our programmes are open to people experiencing social isolation, poor mental health, food insecurity, displacement, recovery from addiction, or other challenges. You can refer yourself or someone you support to appropriate programmes through our referral process.
HEALTH, WELLBEING & CONNECTION
Good food has a way of bringing people together.
Our programmes create friendly, welcoming spaces where people can cook, eat, laugh, learn and spend time with others. For many participants, the sessions provide a regular point of connection, helping to reduce isolation and create a sense of belonging during challenging times.
From our open-access Cook & Connect sessions to recovery-focused groups, community meals and outdoor cooking activities, we use food to nurture wellbeing, build relationships and help people feel part of something bigger.
Starting life in a new place can be challenging. Food can help make it feel a little more like home.
We create welcoming spaces for people who have come to Bristol seeking safety, including refugees and people navigating the asylum system. Through cooking, shared meals and conversation, people can connect with others, exchange recipes, celebrate different cultures and build a sense of belonging.
Along the way, participants develop confidence, practical cooking skills, practise English, build friendships and feel more connected to their local community.
Our Speak & Eat programme combines language learning, cooking and shared meals in a welcoming and supportive environment. For those interested in developing their skills further, our Food Futures course provides opportunities to gain professional cooking experience, build confidence and take steps towards volunteering, training or employment.
FOOD, FRIENDSHIP & BELONGING
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE THRIVE
Growing up isn't always easy, and not every young person has access to the same opportunities, support networks or experiences.
Our programmes use cooking as a fun, practical way for children and young people to learn new skills, build confidence and connect with others. Through preparing food, sharing meals and taking on new challenges, participants develop communication skills, teamwork, independence and a greater sense of belonging.
Alongside improving access to nourishing food, sessions create opportunities for young people to make friends, express themselves and discover what they are capable of in a supportive and encouraging environment.
We deliver programmes directly and in partnership with schools, youth organisations and community groups across Bristol, supporting young people facing a wide range of challenges, including food insecurity, social isolation, experiences of care and other barriers to participation and opportunity.
Food can open doors to new opportunities.
Our training programmes support people to develop professional cookery skills, gain experience and build confidence for the future. Whether someone is taking their first steps towards employment, returning to learning, or looking to develop new skills, we provide supportive and hands-on opportunities to learn and grow.
Through training, real-world kitchen experience and ongoing support, participants can build confidence, strengthen their CV and take positive next steps towards volunteering, further training or employment.
Our Food Futures programme is at the heart of this work, helping people develop skills, confidence and experience in a supportive community setting.
TRAINING, SKILLS & OPPORTUNITY
FOOD, NATURE & WELLBEING
Spending time outdoors can help us slow down, reconnect and see food in a different way.
Our outdoor programmes bring people together to cook, grow, harvest and explore. Sessions may include outdoor cooking, visits to farms and allotments, foraging, gardening and learning more about where food comes from and how it is grown.
Working alongside local growers, farmers and community food projects, participants have opportunities to connect with nature, improve wellbeing, build confidence outdoors and spend time with others in welcoming green spaces.
These sessions help people feel more connected — to food, to nature and to the communities around them.
Not sure which programme is right for you?
We welcome referrals from individuals, family members, carers, health professionals, social prescribers, support workers and community organisations. Our team can help identify the most appropriate programme based on someone's interests, needs and circumstances.