Camelon sensory centre crosses the water for new cooking class

The Camelon based Forth Valley Sensory Centre (FVSC) has been cooking something up just over the River Forth in Clackmannan.

The centre, which supports thousands of people with sight and/or hearing loss every year, is now building on the success of the cookery classes it has run at its Redbrae Road base for several years.

Wellbeing coordinator Caroline Nisbet and FVSC youth and family worker Melissa Condie join the fun at the Clacks Cook and Connect event (Picture: Submitted)

placeholder image — Wellbeing coordinator Caroline Nisbet and FVSC youth and family worker Melissa Condie join the fun at the Clacks Cook and Connect event (Picture: Submitted)

The new Clacks Cook and Connect project offers one-to-one cooking sessions twice a week to people with sight and/or hearing loss, as well as monthly group sessions.

Those taking part choose what to cook, and the classes help build confidence in preparing healthy, affordable meals.

FVSC youth and family worker Melissa Condie, FVSC cook David Black and FVSC volunteer Duncan McPhee get busy in the kitchen (Picture: Submitted)

Volunteers are on hand with adapted kitchen equipment, accessible resources, and specialist guidance, to help overcome barriers to healthy eating, such as navigating shops, finding recipes and getting safely around the kitchen. Forth Valley Sensory Centre chief executive Jacquie Winning said: “We’re thrilled to have launched our new Clacks Cook and Connect project in Clackmannanshire. The cookery classes help people with sensory loss explore their talents in the kitchen and empower them to cook healthy food at home. “Getting together to cook helps reduce isolation and boost health, wellbeing and independence for people with sensory loss.” Sandeep Dhariwal, Clackmannan Development Trust community development manager, added: “Clackmannan Development Trust was delighted to have Forth Valley Sensory team come along and provide soup made from the heart to families in Clackmannan. “The 'make your own pizza' and fruit skewers were a hit with adults and children alike as there was plenty of choice and options to suit all tastes.”