Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre (LINC) has been holding cooking classes for clients from group homes around Lithgow during 2018.
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The group has spent the term learning cooking skills, interpersonal skills and teamwork.
The meal they were preparing for their last class on Thursday, December 6 was chicken schnitzel rolls with a healthy salad.
“Every Thursday the group puts their money in a pool and we go out and they buy the groceries,” LINC worker Jenni Wilson said.
The support workers then divvy out tasks for clients, such as, buttering bread, chopping vegetables and helping cook the meat, all under supervision.
“It gives them a chance to learn different skills, as well as being important for clients to have access to a normal living style,” Ms Wilson said.
LINC general manager Sharon Holt said that inclusion was an important factor for the clients.
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“Cooking is an important part of living your life, but it’s not just skills, it’s about interacting with each other,” she said.
“Doing the shopping and speaking to the cashiers and having that interaction is so important.”
Team work is another important factor for the clients, according to Ms Holt.
“After eating the meal, the group play a sports game together that includes team work,” she said.
“Activities like these are important because it teaches life long skills but also provides a safe space for the group to work together.”
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