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Christchurch Mayor visits Woodlands View Day Centre to see Education Trust course in action 
The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Flagg, visited Woodlands Day Centre in Christchurch to see the work of one of his nominated charities in action. The Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust is currently running two six-week healthy eating courses for adults with learning difficulties at two day centres in Christchurch led by Kim Benford, the Head of Department for Adults with Learning Difficulties at Brockenhurst College. The courses, at Woodlands and also at The Juniper Centre, have concentrated on teaching the service users how to prepare some simple and healthy dishes which they can try out for themselves. At Woodlands, the dishes they prepare are then served up for their lunch. Kim Benford said: “This has been a fantastic experience for the service users. In just a short period we can see the achievements they have made. They’ve all been willing to try some new food and none of them has been afraid to do some cooking. There’s always a way they can get round their disabilities.” On the day of the Mayor’s visit Spaghetti Bolognese was on the menu and he got to taste the result. “The dish really was delicious,” he said, adding: “These courses, provided with funds from the Education Trust, give our less able residents one more activity to get involved in. As well as joining in the learning, they also get to eat what they have prepared. You can see that they really are enjoying the experience – it’s brilliant!” One of the service users, Margaret Lawley, has gained a lot from the course. “My husband’s a bit of a fussy eater,” she said, “so I don’t usually get to try anything exciting at home. At least here I can try things out which I wouldn’t be able to do at home.” Kath Pike, Support Officer at the Day Centre, added: “They’ve all had a marvellous time on the course. Because of the gadgets we have here we are able to make it easier for them and it’s really built up their self-esteem. Kim has been a lively, friendly tutor and we really appreciate the Food Festival Education Trust paying for the course.” |
