Residents try ‘Healthy Nosh for Less Dosh’ at cookery workshop Posted on 15 February 2023
People living in Clanmil Housing’s Legion Court and Hawthorn Gardens developments in Banbridge got together recently to take part in a healthy eating and cookery workshop led by expert nutritionist Jane McClenaghan.
The workshop, called ‘Healthy Nosh for Less Dosh’, was designed to encourage healthier food choices without putting pressure on household budgets. Something that is more important than ever in the current cost of living crisis.
Jane McClenaghan who delivered the workshop is a nutritional therapist, newspaper columnist and author who runs a company called Vital Nutrition.
She explained that while cooking healthy food on a budget can be ‘a bit of a juggling act’ she stressed that good food needn't be expensive.
Jane shared some useful advice with residents on shopping and food prep, and demonstrated an inexpensive, protein-rich lentil and tomato soup that everyone was keen to try.
Jane said “The nutrition workshop with Clanmil residents was a great session. Everyone really enjoyed it and there was a lot of interaction and sharing of ideas about how to eat well on a budget, as well as cooking for one and practical suggestions to help reduce food waste. Everyone had innovative ideas to share, and left with at least one or two changes to their shopping list”.
Jane added:
“Getting residents together as a community is a great way to connect, share ideas and have a bit of craic. Wellbeing is as much about social connection and interaction as it is about diet and lifestyle. These classes are a perfect opportunity to help support residents to make simple changes that may have a huge impact on their wellbeing”.
Frances who lives at Legion Court, said she really enjoyed the workshop.
“We should have more events like this workshop and it was good to bring along residents from another Clanmil scheme, Hawthorn Gardens to join in. I met some lovely people, and I gained knowledge too. Well done to those involved”.
Carol McTaggart, Group Chief Executive at Clanmil, also attended the workshop and said:
“At Clanmil we aim to provide support and services to help people to live well, and this workshop was a great way for us to learn more about healthy eating while having fun and socialising. We’re delighted that we can deliver workshops like this through the Shared Housing programme for Hawthorn Gardens as it brings residents together so they can get to know each other. Thanks to Jane for a fantastic workshop, to everyone who took part and shared their ideas, and to the Legion Court and Community Cohesion teams for organising.”
Cherie Matchett, Chair of Hawthorn Gardens Tenant’s Association commented:
“It’s great to see people who don’t get out too often interacting with others. I think this event will make me think more about being healthy and what was cooked today was made very quickly and was very tasty. It was good food for less money and makes you think more about your purchases”.
The workshop was part of the Good Relations plan associated with Clanmil’s shared housing development at Hawthorn Gardens.