Sophie Farrah finds out more about a weekly cookery club to combat isolation in older men...
In 2014, an Independent Age report showed that over 1.2 million older men experience a moderate or high degree of social isolation. It highlighted that men are more likely to be dependent on their partners than women and that there are fewer opportunities for men to socialise together. Age UK Richmond decided to tackle this head-on by developing several initiatives specifically targeting men.
“We wanted to get them out and into groups where they could learn new skills, increase their confidence, build new companionships and improve their physical health and emotional well-being too,” explains Stephanie Mackenzie, the charity’s Marketing Coordinator and Community Fundraiser.
Sounds like no mean feat, but as is so often the case, the answer was to be found in food. In 2014, Age UK Richmond set up Man with a Pan, a cookery club for men over 50. The weekly club involves around 12 men (and some women) preparing, cooking and eating a meal together over a two-hour session led by tutor Mary, who teaches them budgeting skills and resourceful shopping tips, as well as how to rustle up dishes such as chorizo and pearl barley soup, Spanish chicken casserole and blackberry and apple crumble.
“The recipes are healthy, enjoyable to eat and easy to cook and recreate at home. The club is about learning good routines, understanding the benefits of nutritional food and the joys of meeting new people. There is a huge social aspect and eating together at the end is a really big part of it,” explains Steph.
“Some of the men don’t even cook – they just come along for a chat and for the meal at the end!”
Over five years, the Man with a Pan scheme has taught 150 people to cook with over 2000 attendances. Based on its success, the charity is launching a new course this month called Cooking for Health, a six-week workshop designed for those who are older carers, recently bereaved or suffering from depression.
“Most of the men who’ve done the course say that it’s opened up a whole new life for them,” Steph explains proudly.
“It may have started as quite a simple and light-hearted initiative, but Man with a Pan has really grown into something meaningful.”
Man with a Pan takes place every Tuesday, 12-2 pm, at the Twickenham Wellbeing Centre, and monthly at St Mary’s University in Twickenham (term time only). Both cost £5 per session, and new members are always welcome. Booking is essential: contact Sue Hollins on 020 8744 1965, or email on susan.hollins@ageukrichmond.org.uk.
Cooking for Health starts October 10 at Richmond Adult Community College, £63 for six weeks. Visit ageuk.org.uk/richmonduponthames for more information.
