A COMMUNITY can look forward to eating with confidence thanks to a new food safety course.
Members of the North Ormesby Health and Well-being Group passed their Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering to help them with food preparation for local events.
After completing the session with flying colours, the six group members were this week presented with certificates highlighting their achievement.
The course was delivered by Middlesbrough Environment City which is now registered to as a provider for local groups.
The Health and Well-being Group was set up to help the local community, with drop-in sessions a chance to make contact with residents and help out with anything from form filling to support and advice.
Members identified gaps between isolated groups, families and key services, and have worked to bridge them in partnership with local families and the wider community as well as agencies, schools, police and health visitors.
The regular drop-in sessions are a great opportunity for people to in for a chat and a cuppa and get involved in community events and projects such as clean-ups, gardening and cooking.
Middlesbrough Mind, Middlesbrough Environment City, One Planet Middlesbrough and Middlesbrough Council’s Public Health team also run sessions aimed at benefiting families and the wider community.
North Ormesby Health and Well-being Group member Cheryl Dixon said: “To date we’ve covered everything from gardening to cooking and to confidence building, stress busting, and health and nutrition.
“We were talking about how the group could progress, and started looking at training and qualifications that would be more accessible in a community setting.
“Half the group felt they were ready to go on the Level 2 in catering, and we were delighted when all those who sat the exam passed.
“It gives them the training to get on as well as showing them they can do it and it has given the whole group a boost.
“Now we can cook in the group and feed more people which we are excited about as we are moving on our community garden to create a new growing space which will enable more people to get involved.”
Middlesbrough Environment City Healthy Cooking Coordinator Kim Baines said: “The North Ormesby Health and Well-being Group is a great example of the sort of community spirit that makes a real difference.
“The volunteers already act as a focal point for local residents, and by developing their skills they can add to the services they offer.
“It’s been a pleasure helping them to gain this qualification and they deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.”