May 1, 2025
Program
Cook Chill Chat
“We came here looking for the social aspect, but left with great friends, better confidence in the kitchen and better cooking skills.”
Janet, CCC Participant
The Global Goals
For Sustainable Development
Overview
Cook Chill Chat (CCC) is a novel, place-based, trauma-informed cooking program that fosters social cohesion, strengthens community links, and promotes physical and mental wellbeing. This cooking program is designed to support people from vulnerable low socio-economic backgrounds, elderly groups, CALD communities, Indigenous women, young families, and socially isolated populations.
Aim
To build more inclusive, resilient, and healthier communities by bringing people together through a practical, supportive cooking program where they can cook, connect, and share a meal.
Objectives
Cook Chill Chat is a 6-week cooking program that brings members of our community together to cook and share a meal. It aims to Increase social connections and reduce loneliness and social isolation.
- Increase social connections
- Improve cooking skills
- Improve healthy eating knowledge
- Improve mental and physical health
- Increased awareness of other preventable chronic disease risk factors
Social Impact
Every $1 invested by HCA
$1
returns $2 in social and economic value
$2
Whats involved
We partner with community organisations who provide a community-based venue and help promote the Cook Chill Chat cooking program across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region. Our community dietitians, supported by trained volunteers, deliver the cooking program in a welcoming and supportive environment.
How it works
Each week for 6 weeks, participants in the Cook Chill Chat cooking program will prepare an easy, quick, and nourishing meal together. It is not a cooking demonstration, but an opportunity to develop cooking skills in a supportive environment. We will then enjoy the meal together, followed or preceded by an education component, discussing different nutrition, health, and sustainability related topic. Options for topics are below, and participants will have the opportunity to choose from:
- Together in the Kitchen
- Eat Well, Live Well
- Get to Know Your Food
- Takeaway the Junk Food
- Savvy Savers
- Love Food Hate Waste
- Become a Storage Master
- Celebrating our Food Future
Testimonial
“Enjoyed every moment, and would love to do this program again”
Janet, CCC Participant“
