A new kitchen with a difference is about to open in Stockton.
The ‘H❤rt of Stockton’ catering kitchen is an important step forward in the development of the new Community Hub which has been set up by the New Walk CIC (Community Interest Company) in former council premises in Hartington Road in the town.
The project aims to provide support for local residents on many issues, including housing, employment, training, addiction and health, and the kitchen is the first of three community businesses which will operate from the Hub—the others will be based around an accessible vegetable garden at the rear of the building and the upcycling and selling of donated goods.
On Friday (July 28) Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham will officially open the kitchen, which as well as catering for the needs of staff and visitors to the hub, will provide training and work experience in catering for local people to help them get gain employment or become self-employed.
Says Steve Timmons from New Walk “The kitchen really is a big boost to the support we can provide to the local community and it’s been made possible with a very generous contribution from local company Able UK together with financial support from the borough council and in partnership with the Little Sprouts organisation which works to improve health and wellbeing in local communities.
“The whole aim of the Community Hub is to provide somewhere for local residents to meet, enjoy social activities and access support from a wide range of local agencies. At the same time the community businesses will provide the chance to learn a range of skills which can be the starting point for sustainable employment.”