Send in the cooks!

A cooking session for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) held in early December was such a success that a further session is to take place in January.

At the first session, a group of people who worked with volunteer chef, Richard Caley to make a halal lasagne. He explained:  “Food is at the centre of all our lives. Having the life skills to create a family meal is one of our greatest gifts. It’s been pleasure to be involved in a project as important as this one.”

One of the junior cooks, Aklakur Rahman, 17, was equally pleased. He said: “I’m loving the project, it’s fun. I’m having a good time and learning new skills.”  Next year the group hope to put on a dinner party for staff and produce their own cook book.

The idea for the cooking sessions came from conversations at the Council’s SEND Youth Forum, where many young participants said they would like to learn more independent living skills, such as cooking. The council responded by holding a trial session over the summer: its success led to the further sessions being booked.

Cllr Rachael Saunders, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, confirmed the history of the project, saying: “These free sessions, that were requested by our young people, are giving them exactly what they want and need. I hope they continue to enjoy these sessions.” 

•The next session will be held in January. To get involved, please contact Charlotte Latimer on charlotte.latimer@towerhamlets.gov.uk or 020-7364 4982. 

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