Empowering people to take control of their future through food
Welcome to Auntie's Cookery Academy – a charity dedicated to empowering individuals through practical cookery, essential life skills, and hands-on food education. We support those in need by teaching budgeting, nutrition, and employability skills that promote confidence and independence. Whether learning to cook for daily life or pursuing a career in hospitality, our programmes offer a strong foundation and the opportunity to gain a recognised Level 2 award.
There are 100 16-17 year olds currently living in care in Milton Keynes.
224 young people aged 18+ are under the care of social services in Milton Keynes.
And there are 50 semi-independent young people in social care.
Our distinctive approach empowers exceptional young people, aged 16 to 24, by equipping them with the vital life skills and employability training they require. But our commitment doesn't stop there. We place them right at the core of a genuine social enterprise in a food businesss.
Auntie's Cookery Academy isn't simply a charity; we're a community that believes in cooking up success collectively.
Join us in shaping a world where every young life has a chance to shine!
What is 'instant adulthood?'
Young care leavers have described the time around their 18th birthday as feeling like a “cliff edge”.
For too many, there’s an expectation that they will become independent overnight—suddenly and without enough support.
The charity Become have been told this feels “like being on death row, counting down the days”.
Our Blog
Our People & Our Community
Our students aren't navigating this journey alone. With the guidance of Emily-Jane Dale (Auntie Em's Kitchen), they become the masterminds of their own success. It's not just about learning; it's about leading.
But our involvement doesn't conclude in the kitchen. We connect these young adults with local businesses, offering them opportunities for interviews and giving them a platform to display their extraordinary skills at our 'end of course' open evening. It's a win-win situation for our students and the community.
And here's the most exciting part – we're ensuring all of this is accessible through scholarships that cover all course fees. We're constructing brighter futures one meal at a time.
Empowering Through Cookery Courses
01
Skills Development
02
Recycling & reducing waste
03
Community Engagement
04
Accessible Education
Chopping, mixing, whisking, using all 5 sense (sight, taste, touch, smell, and sound)
Understanding recipes and measuring by hand & eye, as well as safe cooking practices through hygiene.
Did you know... olive oil, washing-up liquid and water makes a great bug spray!
Classic Bolognese sauce could also be used the next day for jacket skins or dirty fries.
Learn CV writing skills and trade skills which will help in finding a job - not all hospitality jobs are in a restaurant...!
Get connected with local hospitality businesses to gain experience.
Our courses are aimed at care experienced young people in preparation of independence, as well as vulnerable people in the community with any challenges.
