Location: Richmond borough (South West London) – in person
At Cooking Up, we know that life skills like cooking can be a game-changer for independence and wellbeing. That’s why we offer free cooking classes and volunteering opportunities for care-experienced young people. Learn to cook affordable, healthy meals and build confidence, skills, and community in a warm, supportive setting.
About Us
Cooking Up is a small, Richmond-based charity supporting individuals facing challenging circumstances through the power of food. We run weekly 5-week cooking courses across the borough, where participants learn how to prepare simple, nutritious meals on a budget and take home everything they make.
Our mission is to improve health and wellbeing by empowering people with real, practical skills they can use every day.
Join Our Programme – Learn to Cook, Build Confidence
We’re offering:
- Free, five-week cooking courses (one session per week)
- Locations across the Richmond borough (accessible for local care leavers)
- Take home everything you cook
- Supportive and inclusive group environment
- Fun, hands-on sessions with expert guidance
- Opportunities to volunteer and build further experience
What You’ll Do
During the course, you’ll:
- Learn to cook healthy, low-cost meals
- Build food knowledge and kitchen confidence
- Prepare meals to take home
- Engage with others in a friendly, non-judgmental space
- Explore volunteering options with Cooking Up after the course
Who We’re Looking For
If you are a care leaver aged 16 or over and would like to:
- Gain independence through learning to cook
- Improve your wellbeing and confidence
- Try something new in a relaxed, welcoming setting
…we’d love for you to join us. No experience needed-just bring yourself and a willingness to have a go!
How We Support You
- All classes are completely free
- You’ll take home your own cooked meals
- Relaxed, small-group environment with hands-on support
- Volunteering routes for those who want to stay involved
- Travel advice and accessibility support available
Why Choose Cooking Up?
- A local, community-based charity focused on real-life skills
- A friendly and supportive team who care about your journey
- A safe space to build confidence and independence
- An opportunity to give back through volunteering
- A care leaver-friendly organisation committed to inclusion and wellbeing
How to Get Involved
- Get in touch to register your interest and find out when the next course starts.
- Choose a local class that works for your schedule.
- Come along, cook with us, and take your meals (and skills) home!
We also welcome personal advisers or support workers to help coordinate your participation.
Contact Details:
Alexandra Heathcote
Administrator & Coordinator
alex@cookingup.org
tel: 07841 024085
www.cookingup.org
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