As part of our Healthy Eating Campaign, in March 2009, we organised for 10 resident 'Champions' from London's Exmouth Estate to visit Jamie Oliver's restaurant Fifteen. All were woman; five from a traditional East End background and five from a Bangladeshi background.

The Residents were taught by one of Jamie's chefs how to cook three simple dishes from scratch, which they then made in groups. The residents all expressed what a good time they had and were given a Fifteen restaurant apron and certificate.

Working together

This opportunity allowed Swan Foundation to work to address the equality aspect of Swan Housing Group's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy through cultural, gender and social inclusion and through addressing obesity in poorer areas.

Healthy eating continued

After this success the Foundation funded Chef and Nutritional Therapist, Gary Baverstock to work with young people on healthy eating cooking sessions.

Gary's cooking sessions have been very popular, particularly with young mothers keen to learn how to cook healthy, nutritious and inexpensive meals. Gary has also worked with young teenagers in Basildon with a similar aim and was also a part of a fun day in Chelmsford for supported housing residents where he made smoothies and gave out nutritional advice.