A Delicious Blend of Cooking, Creativity, and Connection
Born out of the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID lockdowns, CookClub BookClub was a unique, hybrid programme designed to uplift adults struggling with low mental health and isolation. Through a combination of cooking and creative expression, the programme created a sense of community during a time when many felt disconnected.
Participants were referred through various channels, including GP social prescribing, Age UK Milton Keynes, and social media outreach. We also partnered with Camphill Communities MK to include a ‘bubble’ of individuals with learning needs. For six intensive weeks, participants took part in a series of online workshops centered around food and cooking—with a creative twist. The sessions also included creative writing workshops led by poet Dan Simpson, giving participants a new way to express themselves.
The wider community was invited to join in through ticketed events, which included an engaging discussion and live cooking demo with food historian Neil Buttery, as well as an exploration of food culture with artist and writer Carolyn Defrin. The highlight of the programme was a series of cook-along sessions led by three MK-based chefs representing Caribbean, Indian, and Chinese cuisines. After the chefs introduced themselves and their culinary backgrounds, ingredients were delivered to participants' homes by volunteers. The next day, the chefs guided live cook-along sessions via Zoom, with some participants cooking alongside them on camera, while others joined in for moral support.
Our Impact
CookClub BookClub was an overwhelming success, with participants and guest chefs alike giving glowing feedback. Over the course of the project, we witnessed participants' confidence, creativity, and sense of community grow. Some participants, initially unfamiliar with remote communication, became proficient and enthusiastic about sharing their own food journeys. Creative writing became an outlet for reflecting on important moments in their lives, and many unlikely friendships blossomed along the way.
The delivery of ingredients to participants' homes was a special touch that everyone loved, and the live cooking sessions were filled with laughter, encouragement, and a sense of accomplishment. The project also demonstrated the power of digital communication to create meaningful connections, giving Inter-Action confidence in our ability to deliver successful virtual programmes in the future.
CookClub BookClub not only helped combat isolation during the pandemic but also fostered lasting connections and empowered participants to explore their creativity and love for food. We are proud to have kept in touch with many of the participants and look forward to continuing to develop similar programmes in the future.
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