Families supported with cooking videos programme
A hands-on, family-friendly cookalong project has been created by Solent Youth Action (SYA), with funding from the Council’s Food Education and Production programme.
This project is designed to support families with children and young people with disabilities, SEND, and those who are Neurodivergent. It aims to promote independence, confidence, and healthier living through inclusive food education.
20 households and exactly 80 individuals across the Borough directly benefitted from the project by receiving videos released every Friday over six weeks. Each video release was accompanied by food package deliveries with the relevant ingredients to cook that week’s meal for the entire household. Some families were also provided with food vouchers to try recipes again.
The project was enjoyed by the families involved:
- "We are all throughly enjoying it. The kids have loved being involved. So far they loved the pizzas the most but are really excited to make the burgers later today."
- "The boys count down to see what they are cooking and talk about it all week!"
- "My son ate all of his which was amazing as normally he won't eat cottage pie unless the meat and potato are separate."
- "Another delicious meal cooked by my daughter and all the family eating together. She really struggles with her anxiety in and out of school and this has been something she can get stuck into. She has a huge smile on her face and the food is 10/10"
Households were engaged in the process with meals selected by the children and young people, and weekly support and communication provided to family members.
The project focussed on inclusive access for differing abilities and financial status, supporting skill-building, autonomy, curiosity and confidence, as well as family wellbeing.
The project was supported by the SYA’s own network as well as through the Local Children’s Partnership, the Youth Multi Agency Group and the Early Help Hub.
The young-person friendly cook-along videos but are now available for any family to watch and take part via SYA’s website:
Solent FOOD Action: Solent Youth Action
To view the wider Food Education and Production programme supported by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund: