We’re thrilled to be launching the Dishing Out Wellness community cookery programme here at St Luke’s. The initiative is a community-driven cookery programme for residents living in south Islington, designed to improve social connections, teach cookery skills, increase confidence, address food insecurity and enhance wellbeing. We’re grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All grant, which enables us to run this programme with funding for 16 months.
With experienced professional tutors in our fully equipped Cookery School, this programme will deliver monthly community meals focusing on inclusivity and community engagement plus hands-on cookery classes and health-focused workshops. From September 2025 to December 2026, we aim to engage over 3000 participants through 145 community events, classes and workshops.
Cookery in our Community
Free monthly community dinners, prepared and served by chefs and volunteers, will provide residents with opportunities to connect, share experiences and build lasting relationships. These gatherings reduce social isolation and promote a sense of belonging among diverse groups, while participants enjoy good food and company. Volunteer involvement enhances the quality of our programme, strengthens community bonds and encourages a culture of mutual support.
The cookery sessions will empower participants to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals using accessible ingredients in their daily lives. Sessions will address identified needs and interests, including culturally diverse dishes reflecting our community’s rich heritage and catering to adults, women, men, the LGBTQ+ community, children and families living on low-income, ensuring support for all. Building upon our successful with “Healthy Heart” and “Nourishing Minds” cookery courses, the programme will emphasise the link between nutrition and well-being, improve participants’ skills and confidence to prepare healthy meals, reducing reliance on processed and costly foods.
The aim is for Dishing Out Wellness to have a lasting impact in the south Islington community, promoting health, wellbeing and social cohesion. This holistic approach gives a sense of community ownership, relationship building and resilience, paving the way for sustained wellbeing and connectedness.