Livingwell customers in Glasgow cook up a storm in the kitchen

Livingwell is a service run by Wheatley Care, part of Wheatley Group, for people aged 55 and over to help them live independently in their own homes for as long as they can.

Part of that includes providing leisure and social activities that promote health and wellbeing and work to tackle isolation and loneliness.

Seven budding chefs, all aged 55 and over, who live in Riddrie, donned their aprons to learn about healthy eating, nutrition, and how to cook a range of dishes.

The classes at Smithycroft Road proved to be so popular, they were extended to other Livingwell services in Dougrie Terrace, Sword Street and Mair Street.

Elizabeth Howitt, 87, from Dougrie Terrace, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the cookery lessons. I had a lovely time. It was good to meet up with neighbours and have a good chat. It was a five-week course, and we were given a book of the recipes to do at home.”

The course was taught by Livingwell Community Engagement and Activities Co-ordinator Marian Hassan, who completed five days of training with the Scottish Pantry Network, a charity offering quality food and services to people in need across Scotland.

Marian said: “The cooking classes proved to be an overwhelming success. Not only did I introduce participants to a range of delicious, accessible recipes, but I was also able to teach them about nutrition, the impact of hidden sugars, and how to use the traffic light system to make healthier food choices.

“As well as cooking, each lesson included practical guidance on budgeting for meals. My hope is that by doing this, I will have enabled the people who took part to make informed decisions about what they are buying and eating.”

Louise Dunlop, Wheatley Care’s Managing Director, said: “I’m delighted how well these cookery lessons have been going. Feedback from course participants has been excellent, with many participants keen to build on their culinary skills.

“Many of the people who took part found themselves making new friends as they cooked together and, for some, it was a chance to share their own favourite recipes and stories from their kitchens growing up.”