Kitchen Assistant Training Program

This program is not funded by statutory provision. It depends solely on the support from Funders and donations. 

She has created a safe space for residents to talk, build confidence and challenge their self-belief. She has developed a programme that enables more opportunity to engage directly with residents, has encouraged more residents’ participation, planning social activities, menu planning and cooking lessons, taking residents’ shopping for ingredients, teaches budgeting skills, what to buy and how to use the items. This empowers participants and encourages more engagement.

Our employed residents, work a combined 32 hour per week contract, play pivotal roles in ensuring the smooth operation of our kitchen. At present we have 4 employed residents, with one of those also taking on the duties of Kitchen Peer Mentor, further expanding our Peer Mentoring programme.

Beyond our employed team, the dedication of volunteers, all residents, has added a vibrant dimension to our kitchen.

• “J” has overcome personal reservations and surprised everyone by baking a birthday cake for a resident. The praise he received from other residents bolstered his confidence and has inspired him to continue to contribute.
• “KL” arrived with severe anxiety, preferring solitary meals and did not mix with others. With support, she has transitioned from isolation to active participation. Her progress is remarkable, and she is now undergoing intensive training to become a Chef. The transformation is both personal and skill based. She fosters confidence and purpose, hugely different from the person that arrived at St Paul’s!

The kitchen is more than a space for culinary activities; it is a nurturing environment fostering personal growth, confidence, and a shared sense of purpose. The combined efforts of our employed residents, volunteers and our supporters have created a kitchen that foes beyond service meals. it is a catalyst for positive change.