Dawley cooking groups helps men build skills and friendships

A community cooking project at a retirement living scheme in Dawley is continuing to serve up much more than just hot meals.

Men in Kitchens, based at Vicarage Grove in Dawley, run by Housing Plus Group, invites men to come and learn how to cook a meal from scratch. Running every fortnight, the project has been going strong for over 15 months, helping participants gain confidence in the kitchen and make new social connections.

Retirement living schemes offer safe, secure and supportive housing with the flexibility to live independently. Located across Telford and Shropshire, each scheme provides access to communal facilities, regular social activities and events, and on-site support to help residents stay connected and confident in later life.

The Men in Kitchens sessions are hands-on, friendly, and designed for people who may never have cooked before. Dishes are chosen based on what participants enjoy eating, and recent menus have included fish cakes, Thai curry, risotto, corned beef hash and even desserts like apple crumble. Meals are kept simple enough to be prepared, cooked and eaten within two hours.

Volunteer chef Tom, who leads the sessions, said:

“It’s been going well - we’ve had people coming from outside of Telford too. Most of the chaps who come along didn’t know how to cook at all before this. We try to make meals they wouldn’t normally do at home, but still easy enough to follow. We even tried gluten-free soda bread the other week, which was a learning curve for me too!”

The sessions are tailored to the group’s needs and tastes, including those with dietary requirements. One participant, Paul, has had to adapt to a gluten-free diet, and the project has helped him discover meals he can still enjoy without having to compromise.

The social side of the group is just as important as the cooking. Many of those attending are Wrekin tenants, but some are from the wider community too. Some have been recently widowed, while others are caring for partners and looking to build new skills in the kitchen.

The group recently received a welcome surprise, a £70 donation from Donna Warnock, whose dad, Malcolm, regularly attends the sessions. Donna was so please to see the progress her dad had been making at the sessions that she decided to hold fundraising events such as Bingo at her home to raise money for the project.

The group was also delighted to be joined this month by the Mayor of Dawley Councillor Ben Carter, who visited to show support and meet participants.

Katrina Pooler, Retirement Living Co-ordinator, said:

“It’s been brilliant seeing how the group has grown. It’s not just about the food, it’s the confidence, the routine, the friendships. We’ve seen people go from not knowing their way around a kitchen to proudly showing off a curry or crumble they’ve made themselves.”

The group is open to new members, and no experience is needed.

“If you’re interested, just come along and give it a go,” added Katrina. “It’s a relaxed space, and we always have a bit of a laugh too.“

If you or someone you know might benefit from joining, contact Katrina Pooler on 01952 217027 or katrina.pooler@wrekin.com.

For more information about Wrekin retirement living click here or call 01952 217183.

10th July 2025