This is the page where you can read more about what people say about us...
"I was new to Sleaford and saw a post on the local facebook group advertising the group and thought I would give it a go.
The idea of not only meeting people but also of possibly doing something to help the local community.
I honestly believed that I would be helping other but instead found that it was of much more benefit to me.
I have met some lovely and incredibly welcoming people both the volunteers and those running the programme.
I have really came to enjoy and look forward to coming down on a Wednesday. Having very little experience and in fact much interest in cooking of being in a kitchen this was also something that put me out of my comfort zone. I have learned new skills, completed a food hygiene course and perhaps gained a little more interest in basic food preparation which I have honestly enjoyed.
The added advantage of doing something enjoyable that benefits the community is hearing how successful the project is. The local community grocers give the group feedback on how well the products we have created sell sub ten shop. Having success stories are simply the icing on the cake for doing something for a couple of hours a week that’s both enjoyable and a social outing."
"I have so enjoyed being involved on a Wednesday morning in Chop, Chat & Change:
Given me a sense of purpose
fantastic to meet new friends and work together in a friendly and happy environment to produce food packs for the community shop.
I feel far more involved in my community now than previously and consequently feel more confident in my every day life.
its given me a focus on the wider community needs with regard to cooking, feeding families and understanding others might not be able to help themselves as easily as others."
"Joining a group for making some time every week worthwhile for myself and the community.
Amazing incentive & ethos. So worthwhile seeing the products produced going to use in real time by the end of the session.
Met some lovely people & learnt a lot of things during the last few weeks.
A great sense of being part of the community for the community.
While enriching socially & mentally I would like the sessions to go on for more weeks.
The group leaders are genuinely authentic & enthusiastic with a passion to prevent food waste while also helping those access this valuable resource who need it most.
What a wonderful thing to be a part of ❤️"
"These courses are incredible. Eamonn and Rob are tackling real issues and helping to grow such worthwhile skills.
It has made a huge difference with my confidence in the kitchen. I have joined the Flourish with Food course and gone from somebody who was super anxious to even make the phone call to ask to join, to someone who loves Thursdays coming around each week so I can get together with the gang again.
We have so much fun and you learn without realising. My chopping skills (whilst nowhere near perfect) are so much improved! There is encouragement and praise and the best part is being able to take your food home each week, knowing you don’t have to cook again and your family can enjoy what you’ve been working on.
We have made fresh pasta which became ravioli, lasagne, chicken and chorizo pie, an Indian feast with many dishes including mushroom pilau rice, chicken korma, Bombay potatoes and more. Last week was Spanish themed where we made tortilla, albondigas and chicken and prawn paella.
I cannot recommend this course more! If you’re wondering whether to join, do it- you’ll be so glad you did. It’s a fun and friendly environment with so many positives. Thanks Eamonn and Rob"
“We had the last of our sessions with GoGro CIC today. It’s been an absolutely incredible experience and one we didn’t want to end!
Today the residents enjoyed an afternoon tea with a lovely selection of sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiche, scones with jam & clotted cream, Victoria sponge cake, meringue nests filled with cream & strawberries and chocolate brownies. It was absolutely delicious and wonderful listening to the different conversations and memories that were triggered. Eamon & Rob, a huge thank you from all of us at Cloverleaf! You’re both brilliant with the residents and bring them all so much joy. We’re all so grateful.”
"This was a wonderful inclusive course, Rob’s ability to bring the group together meant within the first week we were sharing ideas, hints and tips like friends.
Learning to use a slow cooker, adapting old recipes and trying new ones was invaluable, sharing food brought closer connection, allowing honest and open discussion and conversation.
This added such a depth to the course, compassion to others situations, sharing of resources - recipes discovered, herbs from gardens, biscuits with mugs of tea.
Up and out the door early is not always easy especially in winter but this was an amazing boost to my mental health, meeting in a warm, safe space with friendly faces, laughter included.
I am continuing to use skills learnt from this course, slow cooker lives on the counter not tucked away and in use one to two ( if not more ) times a week and not just for stew - although the chicken stew from the course is still a firm favourite, we have also made kebab meat, rice pudding, chilli, chicken stock and cooked our Christmas ham in there.
I would highly recommend the course and the tutor.
Thank you."
"We just did a family learning training program at my daughters school about cooking on a budget and for a family. Conversations and recommendations shared at your course I shared again here. Thanks again. The slow cook remains a very firm fixture. Also as another parent shared a book 'bored of lunch' expanding our horizons - it's been a hit and we eat from the slow cook at least 3 times a week."
"To me what really struck me, outside of the learning element, was the sense of belonging. This is something I have found that many of the people I work with do not often experience, unless it’s from a mental health focused opportunity, such as a therapy group, which then means their sense of identity and routine tends to focus around being’ someone who has mental health difficulties’ and an inability to see themselves as people with rights, skills and varying roles. They often don’t experience a lot of fun in their lives either, which I absolutely have felt is a huge element of yours and Eamonn’s groups I’ve seen. There are so many different elements your groups can bring to individuals."