Can Cook, Will Cook - St Mungo's Opening doors for homeless people

'Can Cook, Will Cook'

Five St Mungo's clients took part in a ten-week catering programme

The progamme was developed by St Mungo's and catering firm Caterplus, to teach new skills, potentially leading people into job opportunities.

During the 'Can Cook, Will Cook' programme, Caterplus chefs taught the trainees how to cook a variety of healthy and affordable meals, and educated them on food hygiene and safety.

Mark ter Telgte was the St Mungo's team leader on the programme. He is part of the Pathways to Employment team which helps homeless people develop key skills so that they can find a route back into employment.

"This is a great opportunity for our clients, some of whom have not had paid employment for many years. Successful trainees can progress into a paid apprenticeship with Caterplus after they have completed the programme."

All five trainees received their course certificate, three are going on to further training to try to earn apprenticeships with Caterplus, including Jacinto Vasconcelos Pereira.

Jacinto said:

"I find cooking therapeutic. I like the way you can be creative with food. I really want to see this course as a way to an apprenticeship and keep on learning about food. Eventually I want to be a chef."

The programme proved a big success and has now been rolled out, giving more homeless people the chance to build their confidence, develop their cooking skills and work towards paid employment in the catering industry.