New Community Cookery Course for Men Launching in Bridgwater
Sedgemoor Community Connector CIC is pleased to be working in partnership with Somerset Skills & Learning to deliver a new community cookery course for men this June.
“Chop & Chat” is a relaxed 4-week course designed to help men build confidence in the kitchen, learn simple budget-friendly meals and connect with others in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The idea for the project developed over the winter months while our team was delivering hot meals through our Connect community sessions. During conversations with local men, it became increasingly clear that many lacked confidence in cooking for themselves. For some, bereavement or changes in personal circumstances had left them solely responsible for preparing meals for the first time in their lives.
What emerged was not simply a need for cooking lessons, but a wider need around confidence, independence, social connection and reducing isolation.
The course will run at Rollercoaster Community Centre in Parkway, Bridgwater, on Mondays from 1st June to 22nd June 2026, from 10am until 1pm.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Learn simple, practical cooking skills
Prepare affordable meals
Build confidence in the kitchen
Meet others in a relaxed and friendly setting
Develop greater independence around food preparation
The course is free for eligible participants, including those on a low income, unemployed and receiving benefits, carers, care leavers, and people with a learning difficulty or disability.
We hope this project will provide not only practical support, but also an opportunity for men to come together, build confidence and feel more connected within their community.
