Case Study

A’s story- UK

A was referred to us by Surrey Square School

“When I first joined Kids in the Kitchen I had a lot going on. I was in and out of a very chaotic relationship, I had 3 young children that I was trying to look after but everything was all over the place. 

Going to pick up my bag of ingredients gave structure to my week. It was somewhere to go, something I had committed to. Growing up no one cooked in my family. My mum just went to Iceland and put things in the oven. I am the first one in my family to cook a recipe and at 39 years old I am trying ingredients that I have never eaten before, they are completely new to me. 

I now have the ability to look in the cupboard and think “I have this and this” and I can put a dinner together. It takes the stress away from feeding my kids. The kids are enjoying it too, trying new things. They now see the kitchen as their space too as we can cook together. I am hoping they will continue cooking and cook with their families one day.”

Because she felt comfortable at Kids in the Kitchen A felt confident enough to come to our parenting courses. She has participated in courses designed to help parents manage their anger and their children's anger, parenting teenagers courses as well as workshops on helping children manage their mental health. 

She says “With 3 young children and an ex partner who was erratic and chaotic the parenting courses brought me stability. There was so much chaos in my life so I found it comforting to be around mums who were going through similar things. The parenting courses gave me something to focus on, a bit of guidance and input. It was a time to look forward to, I could vent in a really safe environment.” 

During these courses we became aware of A's natural ability to emphasise with parents that were struggling so asked her if she was able to co facilitate some sessions. She said ‘yes’ and did a brilliant job, drawing parents out of themselves and instilling confidence in others. 

A often joins us in the school holidays for craft activities, and trips out. 

She says’ to be part of all these activities with all the chaos going on in the background was amazing. The people were lovely and welcoming which made me want to come as I knew I could be myself. It's all been so beneficial to me. I don’t like to think about where I would be now if I hadn’t been involved with Burgess Sports and started this new journey.”

A has since got a job, but whenever she can she pops in to see us. 

C is from Afghanistan

Kids in the Kitchen is a great project because it started at just the right time during the pandemic when everyone was really struggling financially. It was a great opportunity to spend time with the children in the kitchen. We could forget what was happening outside because we were having fun inside. 

There was such a positive feeling on the WhatsApp group, no one was competitive, we were trying new dishes and sharing our cultures.

I learnt a lot on the parenting courses, I got lots of information. We could also share our experiences,learning and reflecting and making changes. 

I was isolated. I came to this country new, in 2017-2019 I didn’t know anyone! I tried to speak to my neighbours but they just looked at me and didn’t speak back. When I joined Burgess Sports I met lots of people. I got to know so many people that when I was offered a new flat I asked to stay on the Aylesbury because the community I had discovered was so good. I had to move away but I believe we are still in each other's hearts. 

Can you describe a memorable moment or experience you had during the programme/project?

The Easter egg hunt was memorable! Clare was dressed as a bunny! I had never seen this before so I didn’t realise it was her until my son told me, it was such a surprise! 

Another wonderful experience was when I was asked if I could make a cake for a fundraising bake sale Burgess Sports were having. I was so excited making that cake, it was wonderful to be able to give something back. When I got a message saying the cake I had made was gone I was so happy! 

On Mothers Day we were given pamper boxes. When I opened the box and saw the candle, the chocolate and the body cream I felt so valued and precious. My self esteem went up that day. I thought to myself ‘Yes, I am a mum now’. I still have some of the things I received that day. I still like to look at them and remember. 

How do you feel about your future now compared to before you participated in our programme/project?

In my country parenting is very different from here, you have everyone around you to help but here it is more pressured so it was very good to get this support and talk with others experiencing similar situations. 

What would you say to someone considering joining our programme/project? I would tell them its a 100% great experience and that they will learn a lot!