A RURAL charity is keeping isolated young people busy in the lockdown by helping them cook for their families.
Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) is continuing its youth work by “thinking out of the box” to keep engaging young people registered with the charity.
The youth team is already providing support through a contact line, online drop-in sessions via a closed Facebook group and regular activity packs.
The latest addition is a Cook Your Own Tea @ Home scheme, which is a variation of usual holiday activities where children and young people would normally gather together to cook a balanced meal to enjoy.
Utass is now offering the free fortnightly service, which sees a recipe bag, including locally sourced ingredients, being delivered to a safe, arranged location, so members can create their meal at home with their families.
More than 50 people have signed up to the project, which will initially run for the next 12 weeks. Deliveries started at the end of last month.
Children and young people’s support worker Jen Smurthwaite said “We are delighted to offer this activity at this challenging time. The children and young people have always enjoyed undertaking cook-your-own-tea activities and we are embracing this new way of working.”
This project is funded and supported by Teesdale Action Partnership, NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group, BBC Children in Need, Utass and local businesses,
Ms Smurthwaite said: “We are extremely grateful for this very valuable support. If anyone else feels they are able to help please do get in touch.
To find out more about Cook Your Own Tea @ Home project or to have a chat about how to get involved with the Utass Youth Team, email gina@utass.org or grace@utass.org. To find out more about Utass visit www.utass.org, email info@utass.org or telephone 01833 641010.
