ACA Team

Food, confidence and a bit of organised chaos in the kitchen We realise that the best learning sessions are usually the ones shaped by the young people themselves. At YMCA Northamptonshire, where we’re now running weekly cookery workshops, that’s becoming clearer every time we step through the door. The energy shifts depending on who’s there, what they’re curious about, and sometimes what they’ve been craving all week. One Tuesday, we found ourselves knee-deep in flour, rolling pasta dough...

Why our rebrand feels like an important step in our journey Every organisation grows up a little over time, and this year felt like the moment for us to lift our head, take stock and think carefully about who we’re becoming. That’s why we’re genuinely excited to share our refreshed brand identity. It’s bold, a bit playful, and very much rooted in the work we do with young people. Our new logo brings together illustrated icons, warm colours and a style that feels welcoming rather than polished...

We are thrilled to share that Emily-Jane Dale, co-founder of Auntie’s Cookery Academy, has been awarded First Class Honours for her BSc in Future Food & Culinary Management. Emily achieved this milestone while juggling three years of study alongside running her own business, Auntie Em’s Kitchen, and founding Auntie’s Cookery Academy. It’s a remarkable achievement that speaks to her dedication, resilience, and passion for using food as a tool for positive change. Her dissertation explored how...