Community groups across Dorset are being encouraged to start their own cooking clubs following the success of the Get Dorset Cooking cook‑along event recently held in Dorchester.

More than 80 people from local communities took part in the hands‑on event, organised by healthy cooking charity the Friendly Food Club and supported by Dorset Council. The cook‑along showed how simple, low‑cost recipes and shared cooking can bring people together, build confidence and support healthier lifestyles.

Get your community involved

Harnessing that enthusiasm, more towns and villages are being encouraged to get their communities in the kitchen. Get Dorset Cooking is a Dorset‑wide project that helps community, youth, health and voluntary groups run cooking sessions in their own venues. Groups do not need professional kitchens or specialist experience to get involved. Support includes practical training for local leaders, shared cooking equipment and ongoing advice to help sessions run smoothly.

Sessions take place in familiar local spaces such as community halls, churches, libraries and village centres, making them easy to access and welcoming for everyone.

See how to get your community cooking and the support available at www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org

Cllr Matt Bell, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention and Communities, said: “Dorchester’s event showed just how powerful cooking and sharing food can be. It helps people build confidence, make friendships and develop healthier habits, and it’s something everyone can be part of.

“This can happen anywhere. If you’re part of a community group, or just have an idea and a local space, you can start cooking sessions that work for your community. The Friendly Food Club offers practical help, training and encouragement so groups feel confident to get started.

“This is about bringing people together locally, reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing in simple, everyday ways. If you’d like to help your village, town or neighbourhood get cooking, I’d really encourage you to get in touch.”

Liz Guilmant-Cush, CEO of the Friendly Food Club, said: “The Friendly Food Club changes lives and creates healthier futures, and we want event more communities to benefit. We have seen thousands of people to build their cooking skills, improve their eating habits and grow in confidence.

“We support community group leaders and volunteers to run their own regular local sessions, helping more people get cooking and enjoy the companionship, social connection and health benefits that creating simple meals together can bring. Together, we can Get Dorset Cooking.”

The Dorchester event was led by the Friendly Food Club and featured inspiration from celebrity chef Lesley Waters; Nicholas Balfe (BBC’s Great British Menu and co‑owner of Holm restaurant in Somerset); and Steve Yates, Head Chef at The King’s Arms in Dorchester. The event was compered by Steve Oxford from Oxfords Bakery. Participants cooked together, shared food and ideas, and left feeling excited and inspired to keep cooking.

Share your passion by volunteering

Local people who enjoy cooking are encouraged to help community groups like lunch clubs and non-profit cafés. There are also plenty of other ways to help, such as setting up, tidying up, helping with food safety, or washing up. Volunteer Centre Dorset can put you in touch with local groups that need support. With Volunteers’ Week coming up, now is a great time to get involved. Find out how to volunteer.