Vulnerable adults have been taught essential kitchen skills so they can live and enjoy a more independent life.
Seven men and women, who have social, physical and health issues, have successfully completed a cooking and food hygiene course.
They have been taught how to safely prepare and cook a range of meals to encourage them to make more informed and healthier food choices.
City of Bath College teamed up with The Genesis Trust to offer the three-month course to help people move towards greater independence, improved quality of life and integration into the community.
The adult learners have recently each been presented with a CIEH Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
The charity now hopes to help them develop their customer service skills in the hope they can go on to find voluntary placements in the city’s cafes.
Albert Loveridge said he really enjoyed the variety of the weekly classes in The Salvation Army’s kitchen.
He said: “I think everyone should learn how to prepare food properly, it’s a health and safety thing.
“I now know how to store food properly in the fridge and about all the bacteria and cross-contamination that can affect food.
“I had to change around my fridge. Most people probably don’t even know they are storing food the wrong way.”
Nigel Cullen, 64, is hoping to be able to find some voluntary work in the city as he wants to show people what he has learned.
He said: “I used to just buy pre-prepared food but now I cook meals from scratch. It’s completely changed the way I live.
“I would now love to work in a café. I would like to get to the top and be the manager, maybe I could even be the new Jamie Oliver!”
Alexander Reid, 58, added: “Thanks to this course I have been able to try new foods. I have learned how to eat properly while on a budget. I now enjoy cooking.”
Course leader Denise Weikert, who is Life Skills Co-ordinator at The Genesis Trust, said it was the first time they had combined practical cooking skills with the theory about food health and safety.
She said: “Many people had an interest in developing their food skills so this was the ideal way for them to learn about preparing and cooking food.
“These people live on their own in the community so it’s great to see they have also developed their confidence and made new friends on this course.”
The food hygiene course was run by the College’s Community Learning department, which also offers a wide range of courses at venues across the area, including money management, basic skills in English, Maths, IT, and arts and crafts.
