Cook Chill Chat

Overview

Cook Chill Chat (CCC) is a novel place-based and trauma-informed cooking program that fosters social cohesion, strengthens community links, and promotes physical and mental wellbeing, particularly those from vulnerable low socio-economic backgrounds, elderly, CALD groups, Indigenous women, young families, and socially isolated populations.

Aim

To build more inclusive, resilient, and healthier communities by bringing people together to cook and share a meal.

Objectives

Cook Chill Chat is a 6-week 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 Cook Chill Chat in the Illawarra Shoalhaven. Our community dieticians, supported by trained volunteers then deliver the program.

How it works

Each week for 6 weeks, the group will cook an easy, quick and nourishing meal to share. 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“