People who have lost a loved one can now socialise with others and boost their wellbeing by taking part in special cooking classes organised by the Pear Tree Fund.
The ‘cooking for one’ sessions will give people who have recently been bereaved the chance to join eight classes to learn how to cook healthy, nutritious meals while developing strategies for self-care which will improve their health and wellbeing. The classes will also give them the chance to socialise with others who are experiencing loss and build new friendships.
Three sessions will take place over the coming months, each with space for eight participants. They have been made possible thanks to a £5,000 grant from the East of England Co-op’s Community Cares Fund.
Dinah Morley, chair of the Pear Tree Fund, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the East of England Co-op for this generous donation, which will make a significant difference to the lives of people who have lost a loved one.
“By giving them an opportunity to learn how to cook healthy, tasty meals while socialising with others, we hope that we can help them take steps to improve their health and wellbeing in the longer term.”
The Pear Tree Fund ran several classes last year, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from those taking part. Comments included:
• “I was a total wreck (when I was referred to the Pear Tree Centre) but have never looked back. Cooking for one gave me my life back.”
• “I have loved coming to cooking for one. I have met so many lovely people who have become my friends.”
• “I have made lots of friends who I have shared many laughs with. The Pear Tree Centre has changed my life.”
Anyone who would like to express an interest in joining a future cooking for one class should contact the Pear Tree Centre at info@peartreefund.org or by calling 01986 899655.