A new project aims to provide Staveley school students with the skills to cook healthy meals at home.
Delivered in partnership by Community Growth, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College, Springwell Community College and Netherthorpe School, the Staveley To Eat Well (STEW) project had its first session on Wednesday 8 November.
Students from Springwell Community College travelled to Chesterfield College where level 3 students in the Hospitality and Catering School taught them how to cook Butternut squash soup with sage and croutons.
Natalie Pearce, Co-Director at Community Growth, said: “It’s such a wonderful opportunity for students to have exposure to fully trained chefs and a professional kitchen. Inspiring and eye opening. The College staff are exceptionally welcoming. I’m honoured to be part of this innovative project.”
The concept initially arose through the Staveley Town Deal Board where members discussed how to tackle health inequalities in the town. The project has since been incorporated into Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Action Plan.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board said: “This is a fantastic project for young people in Staveley, it will help them develop important skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. This is also a great example of how partnerships formed through the Town Deal can help create more opportunities and help improve the quality of life for local people.”
Catering students at Chesterfield College will be working with their tutors to develop a meal to cook for each session and will lead these sessions for 15 students each time.
Julie Richards Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Chesterfield College said: “It’s so exciting to see the project finally come to fruition after initial ideas at the Town Deal Board meeting. I’m delighted to welcome students to Chesterfield College and hope it’s the start of a much bigger initiative for the town and local residents.”
Ian Wingfield, Headteacher of Springwell Community College and Town Deal Board member, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to get this project going, it will give our students a fantastic experience and help ensure they can develop some really useful skills that will benefit them for a long time to come.”
Further sessions are planned in 2024, in total around 72 students from both Springwell Community College and Netherthorpe School will take part in the project.
Funding for the project was secured through the Staveley Health and Wellbeing Group.
