A new community-focused programme is set to help people across the Vale of Glamorgan build confidence in cooking, nutrition, and healthy eating through free, accessible learning opportunities.
The Vale Community Nutrition and Practical Cookery Programme is being delivered through Food Vale – the Vale’s local food partnership – in collaboration with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Public Health Dietetics and is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme has been developed to improve access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food knowledge and practical cooking skills for individuals, families, and communities across the Vale.
Through a range of welcoming and inclusive activities, participants will have the opportunity to develop skills, increase confidence, and learn how to make healthier food choices on a budget.
Activities will be delivered in community settings throughout the Vale of Glamorgan and will be designed to be accessible, inclusive, and bilingual, ensuring people feel comfortable and supported to take part.
Learning opportunities will include:
- Practical cookery sessions
- Nutrition education workshops
- Community drop-in sessions and tasters
- Pop-up community events
- Accredited Nutrition Skills for Life courses
- Training opportunities for community organisations, staff, and volunteers
Louise Denham, Food Vale Co-ordinator, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to bring people together through food. Whether someone wants to learn new cooking skills, gain confidence in preparing healthy meals on a budget, or connect with others in their community, there will be something for everyone. We’re looking forward to working with local people and partners to make this programme as accessible, inclusive and impactful as possible.”
Marie Price, Clinical Lead for the Public Health Dietetic team, said: "I’m delighted to be leading this programme in the Vale, bringing together partners and communities to deliver practical nutrition and cookery support, while helping to build a more connected and supportive local food system.”
The programme will be shaped in collaboration with local communities, partner organisations, and people with lived experience, helping to ensure activities reflect local needs and priorities.
Alongside promoting healthy eating, the programme will encourage sustainable and planet-friendly food practices, including reducing food waste, making the most of seasonal produce, and supporting local food initiatives.
By strengthening food knowledge, practical skills, and community connections, the programme contributes to Food Vale’s wider vision of creating a fairer, healthier, and more resilient local food system. It also supports wider public health priorities in Wales, including prevention, reducing inequalities, building community resilience, and promoting sustainable food systems.
Community groups, organisations, and local settings interested in hosting sessions or learning more about the programme are encouraged to get in touch by emailing nutrition.skillsforlife.cav@wales.nhs.uk
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