Community Chest funding helps Birmingham residents learn to cook healthy meals on a budget
Residents in Birmingham will be able to learn new cooking skills, save money and build social connections thanks to funding from our Community Chest funding.
Brandwood Community Centre has been awarded funds to deliver its new Cooking on a Budget project, which will support local people affected by rising food and energy costs.
This project will provide 10 practical cooking sessions at the centre in Kings Heath, helping participants prepare affordable, nutritious meals while improving confidence in the kitchen and reducing social isolation.
As part of the programme, residents will learn budgeting techniques, batch cooking methods and how to make the most of slow cookers and air fryers to reduce both food and energy costs. Participants will also receive a free slow cooker or air fryer and recipe book to help continue cooking healthy meals at home.
The sessions will provide opportunities for residents to meet others, share experiences and access wider support services.
Patricia Watson, Centre Manager at Brandwood Community Centre said: “We know many local residents are continuing to feel the impact of the cost of living crisis, with rising food and household bills placing significant pressure on family budgets. Through this project, we want to give people practical skills and confidence that can make a real difference to their everyday lives.
“Cooking on a Budget is about much more than preparing affordable meals. It brings people together, reduces isolation and helps build resilience within the community. We’re grateful to Platform Housing Group for supporting this project and helping us expand the support we can offer local residents.”
The project builds on the success of previous cooking sessions delivered through the centre’s Warm Welcome programme, where participants reported increased confidence in preparing low cost meals and managing household budgets.
Debbie Jones, our Community Engagement Officer said: “We are delighted to support Brandwood Community Centre through our Community Chest programme. The project addresses several important issues facing communities today, from the rising cost of living to social isolation and wellbeing.
“By combining practical cooking skills with opportunities to meet others and build confidence, the project will have a lasting impact on residents and help people develop skills that will benefit them long after the sessions have ended. It’s a fantastic example of how local organisations are supporting communities in innovative and meaningful ways.”
The Cooking on a Budget project is expected to run until April 2027, with participants also being signposted to additional support services to help improve long term financial resilience and wellbeing.
Our Community Chest fund supports a wide range of local projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, community cohesion and opportunities for local people. The pot is for our customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations for any projects directly benefitting our customers; all applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on our Customer Voice Panel.
Photo caption : Birmingham residents learning to cook