Amy's Story
I first came along to Cyrenians Cook School because my daughter had told me that it might help me get back on track and that I could pick up some new skills.
A year or so ago I’d gone through a really tough time. I’d been made redundant, and my mental health took a massive hit, not to mention my physical health when I just couldn’t take care of myself anymore. Apart from my kids, I’d spent over a year not really seeing anyone. I felt completely stuck and totally isolated. I grew increasingly anxious just doing things like popping to the shops. I couldn’t seem to get back to myself and feel like I fit into the world day to day, let alone find a way back into work.
Coming along to the cook school for a class initially, I didn’t think much would come of it, to be honest - but it’s been amazing.
Not only have I learned new skills, but I’ve also found my way back to being confident with other people, and I don’t feel alone anymore. Since coming to the Cook School, I’ve even found part-time work, which was so unexpected.
I was never much of a cook or a baker, so learning how to use recipes and make things from scratch was a really great experience. Getting to grips with things like quantities and even stuff like planning and how to use leftover food was fun and even gave me back a sense of control over my day-to-day life. It’s given me a new way to take care of myself and the people around me that I didn’t have before. Now I eat healthily and can really feel the effects of it, on how I feel every day. And it’s great to feel like I can pass that on to my kids too.
The Cook School’s also given me the confidence to cook more at home. Now I cook easy meals with my kids. It really helps me open up with them, and they feel like they have a chance to speak to me when we’re making food too. And now I have a reason to feel excited about heading to the shops for ingredients, looking ahead knowing I’ll be with them making something that’s good for them.
Everyone at the Cook School has been so friendly and helpful - they’re genuinely a lovely team. They’re people with a great get-go attitude. When I first came, they made me feel really welcome as an anxious person that can feel really uncomfortable in big loud groups. They took time to get to know me and find out how I could get the most out of being there. Being able to just have a laugh is something we often take for granted, but it was massive for me. Just being in good company can do so much for the way you feel, and how you see yourself.
More than that, the Cook School has given me the opportunity to get back into work again. I took my REHIS qualification at the Cook School, and the team have been really supportive of me gaining experience and finding part-time work. Doing all that isn’t something I’d have even felt able to do before. But now I’m not just more confident, I’m proud of myself and what I’m capable of.