Councillor Judith Blake was invited to visit the session to find out more about the scheme and award the participants with their certificates on completion of the course.
During the session the participants demonstrated the skills they have learnt so far as we were treated to a delicious fish stew with a buttered spinach accompaniment. The session started with some information about what ingredients they would be using and the importance of having fish and Omega 3 in your every day diet.
The class then busily started their prep as the tutor talked them through the different steps of cooking the dish. They were encouraged to utilise all of the skills they had learned so far and put them into practice whilst also learning how to prepare an exciting new dish. The session also involved a trip to the fish market to see exactly where their ingredients came from and find out what else the stalls have on offer, including live crabs! 
The team at our Family Intervention Service identified 10 families who they thought would benefit from the programme, in the hope that the skills the parents learn will be built into their family’s daily lives and they will be able to prepare quick, healthy and cost-effective meals for the whole family.
The Family Intervention service works across East and North East Leeds providing support to families with complex needs. The work of the team is focussed on supporting and motivating families to help them move forward with their lives in a positive way.
Jamie Oliver, who has introduced the network of local food centres and cookery teachers across the country, said "I was thrilled to hear that the guys at the Leeds Community Healthcare Family Intervention Service have helped a group to attend the Ministry of Food Centre. I always hoped that the Ministry would be open to everyone who wants to learn to cook, regardless of their circumstances. It's hugely important that initiatives like this continue."
Find out more about the work our Family Intervention Service do here:
http://www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/our_services_az/family_intervention_service/
...and more about the Ministry of Food projects here:
http://www.jamieoliver.com/jamies-ministry-of-food/index.php
