Chartwells’ partnership approach to supporting families (1)

This summer, Chartwells partnered with several organisations including The Mayor’s Fund for London - Kitchen Social programme, Brakes’ - Meals & More, Transforming Lives for Good, City of Edinburgh Council and the Norwich Foodbank project. Together they have delivered a series of workshops across the UK to support children and their families with health and nutrition advice, as well as food provision.

This work is in line with the introduction of Chartwells’ dedicated health and wellbeing programme, Beyond the Chartwells Kitchen, which helps young people, teachers and communities tackle issues like childhood obesity, mental ill health and lack of exercise.

During the summer, Chartwells reached over 500 children, 75 parents, 85 youth workers, plus volunteers and cooks. The Chartwells team has delivered interactive education and food provision sessions that include activities such as ‘The Super Snack Challenge’, part of the new Beyond the Chartwells Kitchen, Fit Food Module. It challenges children to make their own healthy snacks from scratch and pitch them to their friends and volunteers, explaining the benefits of each individual ingredient.

Richard Taylor, Managing Director, Chartwells commented: “We have a moral obligation to help support children and families, by providing food and education around health and wellbeing. We want to help build a healthier future for children and young people and we will continue developing these powerful partnerships to provide support during school holidays. We’re now looking ahead and planning our work for the October half term.”

Chartwells’ focus around holiday meals and education started in February this year, with the launch of a partnership with The Mayor’s Fund for London, Kitchen Social programme. Kitchen Social gives young Londoners, on free school meals and from low-income families, a safe place to go where they can socialise and get a free healthy meal. Chartwells has been working with them to provide expertise and food and drink to those attending workshops.

Kim Chaplain, Director of Charitable Portfolio, The Mayor’s Fund for London said: ‘It has been great to have Chartwells support Kitchen Social clubs during the school holidays this year. They’ve not only delivered fun and engaging cooking workshops for children and parents, but also offered healthy eating education and resources through their teams of chefs, food ambassadors and nutritionists’.