OUR RESIDENT’S KITCHEN HAS OPENED!
We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new kitchen, which will allow residents to prepare their own meals.
In a resident’s survey about our services last year, one of the main things that residents said they would benefit from is kitchen facilities. Up until the opening, we had been providing simple meals, but now residents are able to store, prepare and enjoy meals of their choice – around their own schedules.
At the opening on 23rd July, we welcomed residents, staff and Trustees to explore the new facilities and share tea and home-baked cakes, which were made by residents and staff in the kitchen that morning. Led by volunteer coordinator, Naomi, residents made strawberry cheesecake, Victoria sponge and chocolate cupcakes.
We have relied heavily on food donations, and without the help of schools through their Harvest Festival donations, as well as organisations including Sainsburys, Lidl and Sainsbury’s we would not have been able to provide all of the meals that we did.
We understand that it can be difficult to afford a regular food shop. That’s why, going forward, these donated items will be made available for residents to use to prepare their own meals.
We also started an edible gardening project last year, which was made possible thanks to support from Tesco and Groundwork UK’s Bags for Help scheme. Residents have been able to use the vegetables and herbs that they’ve taken pride in growing.
We have introduced cooking classes, where residents are able to learn about healthy eating on a budget, and how to prepare meals on a budget. We’d like to say a big thank you to FEAST for working with us to deliver these weekly sessions, and supporting residents to put their new skills and knowledge into practise.
Addressing the attendees, Amanda Dubarry, Chief Executive, said “It’s been a bit of a challenge, but I am really glad to see the kitchen opening today.
“I hope, for all of our Caritas Anchor House residents that will use the kitchen, that it provides everything that you will need and help you on your way towards moving on.”
The kitchen is equipped with cupboard and fridge space for 115 residents, with oven-grills and hobs, washing up areas and even a breakfast bar. 25 of our bed spaces are studio-flats, and are already equipped with a kitchen so residents living in them will continue to use those.
Susan, one of our residents who has been at Caritas Anchor House almost a year, said “I really enjoy cooking for myself and others, so I’m looking forward using the new kitchen. It looks really nice and spacious too, and will help us to eat healthily and build friendships with others over food.”
The opening of our kitchen would not have been possible without the help of so many. We’re incredibly grateful to The Albert Gubay Foundation for their generous funding, and to ChillerBox for taking on the project and giving us a kitchen which will last us well into the future. Thanks too to all of our supporters and partners who have helped to contribute in various ways such as providing donations of food, or facilitating cooking classes.