In November 2019 the Royal Voluntary Service published research showing almost 1 million older people rely solely on ready meals and 38% miss having company at meal times. We want to change that.
Our popular Talking Tables cooking sessions for over 50s are back at Lawrence Weston City Farm in January, and at Windmill Hill City Farm in February. These 6/8-week cooking courses will give you the skills and knowledge to cook nutritious and delicious food, as well as the chance to meet, socialise with and eat with new people.
June attended the sessions earlier this year. She says:
“I felt like I belonged and I was accepted in the group and I was learning new things. So, really it [Talking Tables] made me feel better because I was part of a very nice, encouraging group. I enjoyed eating together rather than alone, I think we all did, and chatting together as well.“
Mary, who attended sessions this year, said:
“It was informal and friendly and you were encouraged to say the things you wanted to cook. You didn’t feel like you were being told to do anything in particular, or being watched or judged, it felt acceptable that people were doing their best really. At the end of the first session, I thought, ‘Gosh!’, because it felt like being on holiday. I really enjoyed it.
Another participant said:
[…] it’s a great opportunity to cook with other people, which I’d not really done since I was a child, and it’s fun. It’s a great way to learn new recipes and get different ideas off people… I do feel more confident and I have been cooking more and planning things a bit more than I did.”
Sessions are completely FREE and suitable for those with dietary and access requirements – all are welcome! Limited transport is available.
- Lawrence Weston Community Farm – Tuesday 21 January 2020 – Tuesday 10 March 2020, 10am – 1pm.
- Windmill Hill City Farm – Friday 21 February 2020 – Friday 27 March 2020, 10am – 1pm.
To book your place contact Caroline McDonnell on 0117 353 3042 or carolinemcdonnell@linkagenetwork.org.uk