Posted: November 11, 2026
Glynn has never really cooked before. He is currently living in temporary accommodation after previously experiencing homelessness. He has multiple health conditions, including breathing difficulties, which makes preparing meals standing up challenging.
With limited cooking facilities where he is staying, Glynn explained:
“If it didn’t go in the microwave, it didn’t get cooked.”
But over the last few weeks, Glynn has been taking part in weekly cooking classes at the Good Shepherd, delivered by WV10 Consortium Community Chefs as part of a City of Wolverhampton Council initiative.
Despite saying he had “never cooked in his life”, Glynn has already prepared butter chicken, chicken fajitas and salt and pepper chicken, with chicken being his favourite food. At the end of each session, he can take what he has made back to eat at his accommodation.
But the sessions are about much more than cooking a meal. Led by chef Simon, they give participants the opportunity to learn cooking and budgeting skills, build their confidence and independence, and spend time with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Donna, Group Work Facilitator at the Good Shepherd, said:
“It’s a new group and it’s going really well. There’s been a lot of interest from our clients wanting to have a go, so we’ve even got a waiting list now.
“The class is learning life skills and becoming more independent, but there’s an emotional connection too. People are having conversations, learning and communicating.
“Chef Simon is passionate and great with the clients. He lets everyone do things at their own pace, and it’s been really positive.”
For Glynn, the sessions have given him the chance to try something new, build connections with others and his confidence.
