Men’s Cooking Class – Building Skills, Confidence, and Community
Our Men’s Cooking Class is a welcoming, hands-on culinary program designed to build confidence, independence, and connection through food. Following the success of our pilot project—which demonstrated strong engagement, positive outcomes, and clear demand—we are excited to expand this into a long-term, funded programme.
This men-focused class offers a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can learn practical cooking skills, try new recipes, and gain confidence in the kitchen. Sessions are interactive and hands-on, encouraging learning by doing rather than watching.
Participants are encouraged to bring a friend, support person, or carer to share the experience and make it even more enjoyable.
Beyond cooking, the class is about connection. It provides opportunities to meet new people, build friendships, and develop life skills that extend well beyond the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to build on existing skills, this program offers a positive, inclusive space to learn, laugh, and cook together.
“I wish to share my experiences of the cooking classes pilot project based at Haymills CC which I was a participant of.
The initial registration of the programme was so welcoming over email by Andeep.
From the outset Andeep created a positive and encouraging environment for all. She had the immediate, important and personable skill of remembering everyone’s name.
She would encourage everyone to interact with each other thus creating a friendly setting.
This culture followed through to the second innings on this fantastic opportunity.
Andeep catered for all dietary requirements which I believe was the success of the returning students.
I enjoyed the educational approach taken by Andeep where she did not dictate instructions; rather she asked probing questions and had everyone in the group collectively making decisions. This allowed everyone’s contribution count.
Being a taster (no paronomasia intended) I really enjoyed preparing the ingredients and cooking the food. Then celebrating our achievements by dining collectively as a community.
If the project is green lit it is expected that there would be further investment with each student having access to an independent station to continue enhancing their culinary arts.
It appears Andeep plans to move mountains to fulfil all the suggestions put forward to her such is her commitment to the students. I, myself, am very excited of the potential achievements ahead for me.
I feel it would be a tragic affair if this did not continue.
I wish to advocate the case for this programme to become a permanent fixture in the local community calendar.”
