O A S I S K I T C H E N P I L O T

Oasis Kitchen was a pilot run by Food for Thought/Bath Mind in collaboration with Oasis over 8 weeks throughout January and February 2023 The aim was to provide a space for regular users of Oasis Pantry to come together, socialise, learn new skills in the kitchen, explore cooking with different ingredients as well as discussing tips for eating well-balanced healthy meals using the food that is available to them We focused on recipes where ingredients can be substituted as well as those that freeze well for batch cooking and reduce food waste - keeping in mind how the cost of living crisis is affecting everyone

We came up with creative ways of cooking meals using tinned food and frozen food as well as cooking a three course meal without the use of the oven We even managed to create some delicious dishes using only a microwave! Throughout the weeks, the group’s knowledge and willingness to try new things grew and we were absolutely blown away – as were they – by what they produced Members were able to contribute their ideas for what they wanted to learn to cook and becam more and more adventurous – they made tasty filled savoury pancake on pancake day, tortilla wraps from scratch for fajitas and even made their own naan breads to accompany a curry The penultimate session was an opportunity for members to cook for an upcoming Oasis Living Room session – and they did a smashing job – producing an absolute feast of Turkish food!

We absolutely loved running these sessions and felt we were able to achieve a great deal in the time we spent with the group – both in the fantastic food that was produced as well as a multitude of practical an useful tips and skills that attendees took away with them.

Each Monday evening from December to March we opened ‘Oasis Living Room’, in response to the very high rises in fuel bills in Autumn 2022 Living Room was designed as a space to connect with others, share a meal together, and to offer a space that was warm and welcoming Time spent at the Living Room was self-directed, but volunteers were on hand for set up and set down, and for chatting. We had activities on offer including books, magazines, games and craft activities should people want them, alongside practicalities such as WiFi access and charging points. We ate a meal together each week, kindly gifted by the local branch of COOK, and our staffing and other equipment costs were funded by Quartet Community Foundation.

Across the four months Living Room was open, 37 different people came along with a core group of around a dozen or so who came to more than 75% of the sessions. The group formed close bonds and friendships, and developed a real sense of community and belonging. For many people, this combatted loneliness and isolation, alongside allowing them to save money on both food and fuel Some people brought friends, expanding the reach of Oasis into the wider community.

We’ve been able to offer more volunteering opportunities, at different times and days to our existing projects, which has been brilliant! We had 23 volunteers in total, and 15 of those were able to volunteer specifically because of the timings. We’ve had some absolutely brilliant feedback from the people who came to Living Room, and we’re using that to think about what we can do in the future, and what might be needed next winter.

Oasis Living Room is an amazing place. It has provided a welcome space in which to enjoy food, companionship and the support of other people in difficult times. I've really enjoyed the time I've spent here, and all the new people I've met. It's helped to change my life for the better. I hope too that I've been able to provide help, support and companionship for others in return.