We support people from vulnerable groups across Dorset by building their cooking skills, confidence and resilience, to help break the cycle of food insecurity and low wellbeing. What we do
We bring vulnerable people together to cook, learn, connect and flourish.
“I had no idea… I didn’t know where to start. The guidance and the recipes have actually helped me to balance my diet. If you have no idea, like me, I’d really recommend The Friendly Food Club”
We've created a model for local, community-based intervention that works. Our friendly team of tutors and volunteers brings together lived experience, deep local insight and a passion for cooking to develop and deliver cooking workshop programmes tailored to each community's unique mix of challenges and the specific needs of people at all stages of life. "I really wanted to be able to budget and cook tasty, healthy meals. I am now batch cooking, using herbs and spices and buying fresh but cheaper ingredients. I’ve also lost weight, and the classes keep me busy and interested.”
We deliver our own sessions, partner with community partners, housing associations and local authorities, and train other community organisations to run their own cooking activities. "They are outward facing and have food security at the heart. They meet people where they are at. They are constantly exploring other ways to work in a creative way. They are professional and all they do is to an amazing standard." Naomi Mason, Senior Health Programme Advisor, Public Health Dorset
We create safe, inclusive spaces where people come together to cook, learn, eat, and build their skills, healthy eating habits, confidence and self-esteem. Every workshop creates moments of connection, confidence, and care.
“The Friendly Food Club staff are amazing. They pitched the instructions at the correct level for the groups. Lots of practical demonstrations so that everyone knew what to do and all learning styles were covered”
We help every participant see and celebrate the skills and confidence they build, to support lasting changes that build family and community resilience exactly where it is most needed across Dorset.
“These classes are great and are inspiring me to get cooking. I’m learning how to cook well and I’m also boosting my confidence with the Friendly Food Club and taking that away with me.”
Our vision, values and core beliefs
Our vision is:
“To empower everyone to enjoy a positive connection to food and have the ability to prepare nutritious and delicious meals that transform lives and support good health.”
We’re driven by our values that remind us of our purpose, guide our decisions, maximise our positive impacts and steer us as we grow:
Community Caring Integrity Inclusiveness
Teamwork Good health Making a difference
We believe that:
• Everyone deserves to have equitable access to nutritious, delicious food.
• We can share our knowledge, skills and passion so that others can help themselves to change their health and life for the better.
• A supportive, safe, sociable, inclusive and friendly environment is vital for everyone.
• We maximise the benefits of learning about food and cooking when we demonstrate and foster curiosity, confidence and fun.
• Collaborative working with community partners is the best way to achieve long-lasting change.
