Covid-conscious cooking classes to help Brighton & Hove residents

After putting classes on hold due to the lockdown, the classes have returned with new Covid-conscious measures in place at the Community Kitchen, residents are finally able to take part in the series of classes, each one with a different theme.

The cooking classes, funded by Southern Housing Group, are aimed at giving the housing association’s residents the skills and knowledge they need to make the most of their basic cupboard items in a nutritious and money savvy way. Residents have been learning to cook and prepare delicious and cost-effective meals from scratch, including smoothies, roasted vegetables and even German apple cake.

One Southern Housing Group resident, John*, a man in his fifties, said: "I really enjoyed the course and have been surprised by how many new skills I have learned. The course also came at a good time as we have been meeting other people less, so spending time cooking with other people really gave me a lift. I would definitely recommend the course and would love to do it again."

Another resident added: "I learned how to make lots of familiar dishes more exciting – it’s given me a new lease of life! I was so inspired by the smoothie-making class that I have bought a blender so that I can make delicious smoothies at home."

The lockdown presented an array of challenges for the Community Kitchen. The ‘Cooking on a Budget’ classes were initially set to go ahead in March but were postponed to later in the year when the lockdown was announced.

Nevertheless, Brighton & Hove Food Partnership has made an outstanding effort to overcome these challenges and adapt the Kitchen to ensure all its classes can now go ahead safely and in line with the latest guidelines. Making sure classes do not exceed six pupils, residents will be offered a more personal experience, while making health the top priority. More classes currently are being planned all the way up until Christmas, giving residents the opportunity to learn how to cook some of their festive favourites.

Zoe Maurice, community investment services manager at Southern Housing Group, said: "As the pandemic has placed the added pressure on all aspects of people’s daily lives, from health to personal finances, the need for these classes has never been greater. We are beyond proud that, together with Brighton & Hove Partnership, we have been able to bring these classes back to the community."

Jess Crocker, senior manager at Brighton & Hove Food Partnership said: "With the outbreak of Coronavirus, we have been more determined than ever to deliver this excellent community service to help teach valuable life skills and give back to the community. We are proud to finally deliver on this promise in a safe and secure way."

*Name changed to protect identity