Take Time to Cook
Our cooking sessions help disabled and neurodivergent adults build independence, confidence, practical life skills, and healthier habits while connecting with others in a supportive, fun environment.
What is Take Time to Cook - Recipe for Independence?
Take Time to Cook - Recipe for Independence was co-designed with adults that we support in the community that have neurodivergent conditions, disabilities, and poor mental health. As a group, we spoke about how hard it is to learn how to cook safely and independently, as there is nowhere to go to learn.
We started to plan a project together that was accessible, inclusive, and appealing to adults who face barriers to learning cooking skills. We started with a 12-week project idea and a list of recipes. This idea received £360 from The West Brom and allowed us to start our project in January 2026.
The success and impact that we recorded then led to a successful application to the National Lottery - Awards for All fund, and we received £1970 from them over 2 years to run regular groups. This funding will enable us to deliver over 250 hours of cooking lessons and groups in the Black Country to change the lives and improve the independence of adults often facing isolation and lack of confidence.
What do people say about our cooking sessions?
Take Time to Cook is more than just a cooking session. People are building friendships, improving their self-esteem and confidence, and feeling empowered to achieve and learn new things.
TTFY - Staff
"It is an absolute pleasure teaching people how to cook. It is amazing being able to watch people enjoy food they have made by themselves!'
"We see confidence grow week by week because people realise that they can do things they thought were impossible"
"I love each member of the group, they are all amazing!"
"It is so nice to see people building friendships and supporting each other both in the sessions and outside of them."
"The food always looks and smells amazing!"
Attendees
"I have started making the recipes at home and my family love them."
"This groups is family because we all look out for each other."
"I feel like my cooking skils have gone from a 3 to a 9!"
"I would like to work in a cafe in the future because I have realised that I love cooking."
"It is nice to be able to cook for myself and not have to wait for my mom to get home."
"I never want to miss cooking, it is my favourite place to be."
"The staff are so kind and loving, they always help me."
12 Week Pathway - Attendee
Support Staff
"The group offers a warm welcoming environment which is essential to improve confidence, independence, and a path to success.."
"We have supported several people in the group and have seen a real difference, the people who we support and supported have really enjoyed the group and keep attending even after the pathway has finished. "
"The group has broken the isolation and anxieties that people face."
How can you help?
This project has been created by our team with valued input from our service users. The feedback we receive shapes the future of our project.
We want to help people move forward in their independence journeys and build their skills.
Our team is always looking for funding to allow us to offer free and affordable sessions that truly change lives.
Donate
Every donation helps us to continue this life-changing work.
We are grateful for every donation we receive, no matter how big or small.
Volunteer
We have a growing group of volunteers who help us to deliver high quality services that reduce isolation and support those facing social injustice.
Contact us to join our team and make a difference!
Promote us
Every follow and share on social media helps us to share our mission.
We strive to engage with people who are isolated and facing barriers. Help us by promoting our services.
Statistics for the first 5 months of Take Time to Cook - Recipe for Independence
50+
Hours of
cooking
sessions
delivered
30+
Adults with
disabilities
supported
95%
Attendees
returned for 3 or more sessions
5 Stars
Average Rating from Attendees
Make a referral...
This project is open to referrals, including self-referrals.
This group is very popular, but if you are interested in attending and think that this group will help you or someone you know, please get in touch.
