On many estates, it is not unusual for residents not to talk to one and other, even if they see each other every day. Often this is because they may not feel they have much in common. Yet, we all have to eat and one of the benefits of the 'Pass It On' campaign is that it shows people that cooking good food, from fresh ingredients, does not have to be difficult or expensive. The other, is that it gives residents an opportunity to come together around a common theme - food.

As part of the 'Pass It On' campaign, we took ten lovely ladies from the Exmouth Estate in London to Jamie Oliver's Restaurant, Fifteen. There they were shown how to cook three dishes from scratch by one of Jamie's Chefs, which they then made themselves in groups. Some had never even cooked before, while others also had an opportunity to work with ingredients and recipes that were new to them.

The plan now, is that these ten 'champions' will teach ten other residents. They will create these dishes with them and those residents will then pass them on to ten more. Meanwhile, they will also exchange recipes and learn to cook more dishes. You never know - it might even lead to an Exmouth Estate recipe book! If the scheme proves successful in East London it could roll out to homes in Essex and beyond too.

The residents' menu:
Starter: Pasta and pesto
Main: Squid or cod with chick peas and chilli
Dessert: Blueberry mess

For more information about Swan Foundation projects look through the website or contact us on 01277 844721 or email info@swanfoundation.org.uk