Aims

Using the changes in our understanding of food science to improve the lifestyle of a targeted group of clients. Methods used will include pre and post intervention surveys on lifestyle. There will be workshops covering the basic areas of food groups as well as hands on cooking simple dishes in a nutrition laboratory. 

Target groups

Any person wanting to come onto these courses needs to be recommended by a health care professional (e.g. GP, nurse, social prescriber or weight management programme) by filling in the form by following the link below.

Inclusion Criteria

• Any adult aged 18 and above who is considered to fall into the following groups:
• Weight management
• Pre-diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Mental health (not acutely ill)
• Adults who live alone who may live alone e.g. young adults, widow/widowers
• Carers
• Single parents
• Any person wanting to improve their understanding of healthy eating

All participants will also need to have a  contact telephone number and an active email address or have access to someone who can help with the evaluation of the course.

This pilot project is based at St Mary's University, Twickenham. Referrals at this stage will only be considered from neighbouring areas e.g. boroughs of Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow. More sites will become available once the pilot stages are completed. 

Exclusion Criteria

• Some cases of mental health – because the workshops will involve some level of interaction with a partner in a pair or a group, referrers may consider whether the client is able tolerate such activity without disruption. E.g. an acute relapse of a severe mental illness may not be suitable.
• Clients who are not willing and able to participate in the pre and post evaluation of the project which will include simple written questionnaires and follow up telephone calls.
• Any person who is not able to get to the nutritional lab independently. The nutrition lab is well served with public transport links including the buses 33, and local rail stations Strawberry Hill and Teddington.

Workshops

Each workshop will combine educational activities and hands-on cooking illustrating the themes for that workshop:

1. Introductions – change behaviour, aims of the sessions, ultra-processed foods
2. The gut microbiome and plant-based foods
3. Fats and carbohydrates
4. Proteins, legumes
5. Nuts and seeds. Budget friendly healthy eating

Costs and Resources

The workshops will be free but will require a £5 booking fee that will be refunded at the end of the course if the client has attended.

All food and drink will be provided. There will be no alcohol to be consumed on the premises.