Registered charity no. 1216010
Empowering people to take control of their future through food
Too many vulnerable young people enter adulthood without the practical life skills, confidence and support they need to live independently. Auntie's Cookery Academy exists to change that. Through accredited cookery, employability and life skills education, we're helping young people build brighter, more independent futures.
In 2026, there are over 1m young people (16-24) in the UK who are not in education, employment or training.
Care leavers in the North Northants area are nearly 3 times more likely to become NEET than their peers.
Our distinctive approach empowers exceptional young people, aged 18 to 25, 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 business.
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”.
Food Poverty vs. Food Insecurity
A 500g bag of rice costs around £1 and makes up to 10 portions.
A pouch of microwave rice also costs around £1, but it's just one meal.
The difference isn't the cost.
It's knowledge.
With the right skills, that bag of rice becomes fried rice, vegetable rice, risotto, paella or a stir-fry.
Without them, a limited food budget simply doesn't go as far.
That's the difference between food poverty and food insecurity.
Food poverty is not having enough money to buy food.
Food insecurity is not having the skills, knowledge or confidence to make the most of the food you can afford.
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.
