Our Initiatives
With the community at the centre of all that we do here are a few of our latest initiatives we are running to support.
01
Togetherness Cafe
The together cafe is an initiative funded by the Northampton Community Foundation. The initiative provides a meal to people that need it most once a week for free. To sign up to this initiative please fill out this form
02
Creating Catering Careers
Our project, nestled in the heart of Northampton, offers a unique blend of culinary training and community engagement aimed at nurturing future culinary talents while addressing crucial social needs. Cultivating Catering Careers: A Caribbean Culinary Course targets a broad demographic, focusing on equipping individuals aged 16 and above with the skills necessary for thriving careers in the culinary world. This initiative is particularly geared toward those transitioning from education to employment, including school leavers and others who may face barriers to traditional educational opportunities.
Our Goals:
Fill Skill Gaps: We provide intensive training in culinary arts to address the shortage of skilled culinary staff in the hospitality industry, enhancing employability and expertise.
Boost Employment: By offering structured career pathways, we open doors for young adults and those previously marginalized in the job market.
Economic Contribution: Trained individuals enter the workforce, earning wages and stimulating economic growth through spending and potential entrepreneurship.
Promote Diversity: Our curriculum emphasizes Caribbean and a diverse range of other cuisines, enriching the local food industry and promoting cultural appreciation.
Inclusivity: We focus on empowering vulnerable and underrepresented groups, ensuring equitable access to training and career opportunities.
Sustainable Careers: We prepare participants for stable employment in the robust hospitality and catering sector, known for its resilience against economic downturns
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Program Structure:
The program is segmented into 6-week cohorts, with each cohort consisting of 4 individuals. Training sessions occur once a week for 2-3 hours, supplemented by comprehensive online courses covering Food Hygiene Level 2, HACCP for Catering & Retail Level 2, and Basic Health & Safety. The hands-on curriculum includes:
Week 1: Kitchen safety, hygiene, and recipe interpretation.
Week 2: Preparation of salads, dressings, and marinades.
Week 3: Food handling, marinating, and cooking.
Week 4: Exploration of vegan and plant-based cuisine.
Week 5: Creative cooking with mystery ingredients.
Week 6: Real-life service experience where the community is invited to enjoy dishes prepared by the trainees.
Community Integration:
We actively build connections with local businesses, offices, and care homes, enhancing our trainees' exposure and real-world application of their skills. Our partnership with local kitchens provides valuable work experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment.
This project doesn't just create chefs; it fosters community leaders who understand the power of food to bring people together. Join us in making a difference—one meal, one chef, one community at a time.
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If you would like to be considered for this initiative please fill out this form here