New Cookery Academy for Milton Keynes launches

The event, attended by esteemed guests including the Mayor of Milton Keynes Mick Legg, Councillor Emily Darlington, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Kurshida Mirza, Councillor Shazna Muzammil, local entrepreneurs, representatives from local media, Learn Plus Us, and many more, marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the organisation.

Auntie’s Cookery Academy aims to help bridge the gap between being fully supported, and being expected to live independently.

Their approach empowers young people, aged 16 to 24, by equipping them with the vital life skills and employability training they need. Alongside Learn Plus Us, they’ve developed a curriculum for learners to achieve an award - certified by the NCFE - by completing a 12-week course which covers not only key cookery skills, but budgeting and batch cooking, using leftovers, recycling and waste, as well as health and hygiene.

And their commitment doesn't stop there. The charity places them right at the core of a genuine social enterprise – with the chance to earn a wage on the 'Food Truck', gaining work experience to take into hospitality and catering if they choose.

Guests were treated to a delightful evening filled with drinks from the recently renovated yellow horse box donation bar and mouth-watering dishes, including delicious Thai green curry and the opportunity to make their own spring rolls in the cookery school.

Belle Lawrence, Chair of Auntie's Cookery Academy, delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support and outlining the charity's mission to support young individuals with care experience through culinary education to unlock their potential. Lawrence emphasised the importance of community involvement in achieving the charity's goals and invited attendees to contribute to the cause.