What was the grant for?

A huge thank you to Give Northants for providing the Doddridge centre with Funding to enable us to provide a children’s cooking class. We carried these out in 6-week programmes (total of 3), with the children learning and building on essential cooking skills and kitchen safety and language.

During our weekly session, we discussed hygiene, safety and the importance of communication, but we also had lots of fun making the foods we made, the last session of the programme the children would choose what to cook and we all sat down to eat together and discussed what they had enjoyed and why.

Whilst the food was cooking, the young people enjoyed games, quizzes and crafts, all food and nutrient related.

This programme was invaluable to some of the Children that attended, they learnt knife control and skills, how to safely use an oven, which chopping boards need to be used, how to prep an area for food this skills we stay with them for life and enable the children to now be able to expand their skills, now they have been taught the basics.

What benefits did the grant bring?

The Doddridge Centre is based in an area of deprivation and low poverty, meaning that there are many attending the centre who are in need of additional support. As a community hub, we are trying to offer an inclusive space for all where everyone is welcome to participate and feel no pressure. By running these activities, we are looking at building support networks, reducing isolation and increasing awareness of other support and services available to those attending.

Sustainability

We are constantly seeking ways in which we can be sustainable and continue to offer our services. The charity has an income stream from room and office rental to continue to run the building however we are heavily reliant on grant funding to allow us to run the activities and events. We fundraise continuously to raise funds and awareness of our services.