We’re celebrating the latest cohort of customers to complete our ‘Cooking with Livv’ programme. Designed to empower participants with essential cooking skills for healthier, more budget-friendly living, the initiative also brings people together to combat social isolation.
The four-week course is delivered in partnership with Alba Restaurant and Bar in Melling, Merseyside, and offers our customers hands-on cooking experience in a welcoming and inclusive setting.
Participants sharpen their skills in basic food preparation techniques, using slow cookers for energy-efficient meal preparation, creating nutritious meals on a budget, batch cooking and strategic meal planning.
‘Cooking with Livv’ builds on the success of our previous ‘Food in the Community’ initiatives. By offering beginner and advanced levels, the programme caters to customers with varying skill sets.
Sharon Marsh, our Executive Director of Customer Insight says: “Our Cooking with Livv courses are more than just cooking classes – they’re a safe and supportive space for our customers to come together, learn valuable skills and build connections. It’s one of our favourite community initiatives, and the impact it has on our customers is truly rewarding to see.
“Participants have reported an improvement in health and wellbeing, the development of new skills and reduced social isolation. After completing the programme, they leave with a practical starter kit, including a slow cooker, a store cupboard essentials pack, fresh vegetables and a recipe booklet, filled with creative meal ideas to kickstart their cooking journey. By making the courses accessible to all our customers across Knowsley, we’re helping them to take meaningful steps toward healthier and happier lives.”
Cathy, a recent customer who completed the course shared her experience, saying: “I’ve never been much of a cook, but I’ve absolutely loved the course. I’ve had a great time making all the recipes, with the pineapple upside down cake being my favourite! We’ve made it again at home. It’s also given me the chance to get out of the house each week and meet so many lovely people. The team has been fantastic – engaging, welcoming and so supportive. I’m already looking forward to returning for the advanced course. Thank you Livv and Alba.”
We’ve worked in partnership with Alba Restaurant and Bar for the past four years, delivering transformative cooking courses that have supported over 240 people across Knowsley.
Adam Franklin, Chef at Alba Restaurant and Bar, added: “Working with Livv on these cooking courses for its customers has been a privilege. It’s so important that people have access to opportunities like this. Seeing participants grow in confidence and improve their skills week by week has been a joy – plus, the laughter and friendships formed along the way are what make it truly special. It’s a fantastic initiative and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Cooking with Livv will run throughout 2025. These sessions are open exclusively to our customers.