Latest news with #lifeskills
ABC News
12 hours ago
- General
- ABC News
Canberra cooking class teaching older men kitchen skills with a side of social connection
In a bustling community kitchen in Canberra's south, the sounds of chopping, sizzling and dad jokes fill the air. It's lunchtime at the Men's Kitchen — a grassroots program teaching men over 60 how to cook. For many of the men here, cooking is a brand new skill. Some are recently widowed or caring for partners who can no longer cook, others are simply looking for connection in retirement. John Seymour's reason for signing up is a deeply personal one. After his wife fell ill, he found himself taking on the role of head chef for the first time in his life — but was unsure where to begin. "I realised I didn't know very much about cooking, and I needed to learn," Mr Seymour said. "I think a lot of men, including me, have realised that the time has come to do more around the house. "Meals don't just magically arrive on the table. You have to learn, and I've learned a great deal." Mr Seymour said he now understands how to shop for ingredients, follow a recipe and even whip up a Moroccan chicken dish. "Recipes are rated by how difficult they are — one, two or three hats," he said. "I'm still at the one-hat stage, but I've progressed." For newcomer Dennis Granlund, the class comes 15 months after the death of his wife. "She was the chief chef, I was the apprentice," Mr Granlund said. Mr Granlund said he joined the Men's Kitchen to build new skills, get new ideas for healthy eating and hopefully make new friendships. John Seymour said the group is always excited to get new members like Mr Granlund. "It's a very friendly group," Mr Seymour said. "All of us are at the same stage in life and we support each other. It's a very sociable occasion." The sessions are run by volunteer instructors like Sonja Berghuis, who has spent more than 30 years as a home economics teacher helping her students learn to cook. "I thought this was something where I could give back to the community and use the skills that I have to help other people," Ms Berghuis said. Each class involves a full recipe walk-through, with men taking turns to shop for ingredients, prepare, bake and cook — all while swapping stories and sharing a laugh. Ms Berghuis said even learning the most basic skills can make a huge difference. "I was quite surprised when I came my first week, some of the gentlemen didn't realise you needed to wash the vegetables," Ms Berghuis said. "They also ask some great questions. They're surprised by how much they're learning — and they take it seriously. "We'll decide today what we're going to cook next time and some of the men will go home and practice the recipe, so they know what to do next time. I think it's really lovely." The program was brought to Canberra by Don White, who said he saw a growing need for social connection among older men — especially after retirement or losing a spouse. "A lot of men have lost their work networks or are living alone, so this gives them an opportunity to get together with others," Mr White said. "They look forward to coming, they love being together and talking to each other."
CBC
25-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
P.E.I. pilot project offers cooking classes to young autistic adults
A new pilot project is offering cooking classes to young autistic adults on P.E.I. The eight-week course is offered by The Thoughtful Giver, an organization that provides programming and care services, such as tutoring and housekeeping. Students aged 18 to 30 will learn basic cooking skills, such as knife skills, poaching, searing and how to cook a three-course meal. When Will Lewis started the program, he didn't know anything about how to cook. But after the first class, he said he realized he had nothing to fear. "Everything has been so far easy," he said. "I've been scared of nothing." Basil Killorn said he didn't have a ton of experience cooking and knew how to make only a few soups, salads and curries. So far, he said the first two classes have been very useful. "It's a fantastic group of people who I feel very comfortable around, and it's a really nice opportunity to get out of the house and socialize and learn some new skills." Cooking, teaching accommodations provided Jen Mckenna, an in-home personal chef who also gives cooking classes, said it's wonderful to help the students learn new skills and gain more confidence in the kitchen. "It's such an important skill to have, so to be able to do that and kind of give back, it's really great," she said. Because there are only eight participants, Mckenna said she's able to go around the class and help each individual in whatever way they need to be taught. Georgina Bassett, the founder of The Thoughtful Giver, said accommodations are in place for the neurodiverse students, which include having a small class size and picking a quiet, open space with a lot of natural light. "A lot of those little things add up to the ability for the students to ask their questions, to ask to be shown how to do things, to take their time. We're not in a rush," said Barrett. Killorn said it feels great to be part of a class that accommodates the different ways in which people learn. "As an autistic person, it's so nice to see the community, like, becoming more aware of our needs and accommodations that would help us," he said. Classes teach independence For Lewis, his goal when starting the cooking classes was to learn how to provide for himself when he lives alone. Bassett said many young adults who are leaving home or transitioning from school to adulthood want to learn basic life skills, like cooking. It's no different for young neurodiverse adults. "It seems like a simple task," she said. "But when you're getting out there, you know, some things — like turning on the stove, chopping, cooking, what to make, meal preparation — that can be a little overwhelming for people." Besides cooking skills, Bassett said she wants participants to gain independence.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Young people in Wiltshire and Somerset supported in life skills
An outdoor adventure scheme supporting vulnerable young people to build life skills is being Youth Adventure Trust's Unlocking Adventure is a national fundraising campaign for people aged 11-16 from Wiltshire and trust offers free residential camps, activity days and overnight expeditions and has supported "thousands" of young people in achieving "more than they think they can" since forming in launch coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week, 12-18 May. The trust works with schools to identify who would benefit from its programme which lasts between one to four years, and supports up to 320 young people Balaam, director of fundraising and engagement at the trust said they are hoping to raise enough to fund 10,000 hours of support and help them build resilience and learn skills to "face the challenges they have in their lives"."There are all sorts of reasons young people come to us, they might be being bullied, have low self-esteem or low confidence, they could have chaotic households or be a young carer," she adventure is a platform to help them to learn and achieve their personal objectives and can include anything form learning to light a fire to managing team bonds."And because some are with us for a few years, we really do have the opportunity to build up relationships with them and their families," Ms Balaam added. Eva Fillingham was supported by the trust from around aged 12 and became a young leader in February."During school I wasn't the most confident and the trust pulled me out of that," she learned skills in team work, communication and resilience, which she was then able to carry on into her adult life."I think it was the patience from the volunteers and leaders and the encouragement and support [which made it so successful for me], which for teenagers is what they need," she Fillingham said said she hopes young people accessing the support learn to have pride in themselves and understand that "you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it".
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Parents Continue To Believe Investing In Youth Sports Will Pay Dividends, New Study Shows
Despite an unsteady economy, nearly nine in 10 American parents say they are making room in the budget for extracurricular activities (88%), including sports. Nine in 10 parents say playing sports helps children build character (92%) and teaches them important life skills (90%), according to new research from The Harris Poll and First Tee. First Tee The global consulting and market research firm teamed up with the nonprofit youth development organization to explore the value parents place on youth sports, with a particular focus on the long-term impact of coaches. The Harris Poll surveyed 2,042 U.S. adults in March 2025 and analyzed the data by gender, age, race, education and income, among other characteristics. While few young athletes ultimately turn professional, parents believe youth sports can have lifelong benefits off the field. Nearly nine in 10 parents strongly recommend youth sports to other parents, believing that coaches can impact a child's ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and be resilient in the face of challenges (88%). First Tee "According to this new research, parents with adult children say the confidence their child built through sports continues to shape their success today, a data point that reinforces First Tee's mission of teaching not only golf skills but also life skills and values that equip kids to face new challenges,' said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. 'While we have heard success stories from countless First Tee alumni, we are grateful to Harris Poll for helping us quantify the incredible impact of extracurricular activities.' First Tee Generations of Americans have been shaped by youth sports, with nearly 70% of parents who grew up with coaches saying they wouldn't be where they are today without those influential adults in their life (67%). First Tee knows its coaches are the key to its success, which is why it's celebrating them during First Tee Week, May 19-25. The new brand awareness campaign will mark the launch of a PSA titled 'Dear Coach' and feature a panel discussion on the impact of coaches at the PGA TOUR's Charles Schwab Challenge. Other key findings from the survey include: First Tee 'Even amid economic uncertainty, parents see youth sports as a non-negotiable investment in their child's future,' said Abbey Lunney, Managing Director of the Trends and Thought Leadership Practice at The Harris Poll. 'Nearly 9 in 10 say the experience helped prepare their children for the future. Our data shows they're not just hoping for athletic success—they're prioritizing confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills shaped by meaningful coaching.' This is the third annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee. For the results of the 2024 parent survey, click here.
CBS News
08-05-2025
- CBS News
Mentor on the Green gets new van to continue helping New Jersey kids learn life lessons through golf
New Jersey program provides mentorship, life lessons through golf New Jersey program provides mentorship, life lessons through golf New Jersey program provides mentorship, life lessons through golf Through the Mentor on the Green program, kids across South Jersey are getting a chance to learn a sport they might not otherwise have access to — and they're picking up life skills along the way. Founder James Cooper launched the 10-week mentorship course last summer. "It's not just about the game of golf, it's about the game of life," Cooper said. Bringing putting green mats into schools and community centers is part of the effort. The goal is to teach groups of at least 50 kids how to grip a club, tee up and take a smooth swing. "What they're learning about golf is no shot is the same shot," Cooper said. "When they're on there, they're showing discipline, loyalty, teamwork, cheering each other on." The program has already seen major success. And now, Cooper is ready to take these young golfers from indoor mats to the real green. And thanks to a donation from Union Baptist Temple Church, Mentor on the Green received a new van, making it easier to transport kids to local driving ranges and golf courses. To make it even more meaningful, the van is dedicated in honor of Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley, who worked with the Cumberland County prosecutor's office. CBS News Philadelphia Mosley was killed during a home invasion in October. "She left a mark. She was good at her job," Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari said. "Very personable." Before her tragic death, Mosley planned to become one of the program's mentors. Her daughter, Chasmin, says her mother left a lasting legacy of service and love for the community. "My mom did so much for this community," she said. "I have people who tell me, 'Your mom saved me,' so she made a big impact." An impact that continues to be felt and remembered. "This is who we honor," Cooper said, "and this is who we continue to honor."
