Young residents get cooking: (L to R) Sophie Tuckwood, Tara Hogan, tutor Wendy Brown, youth club worker Gary Darke, Carys De Maid, Jessica De Maid, Abbie Catley and Diana Bottomer

Cooking and IT classes are on the menu for a group of residents who successfully bid for funding to help them learn new skills.

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Woodlodge Residents’ Association in Bickley applied for £1,000 funding from Sanctuary housing group as part of its Grand Ideas Fund scheme.

They will use the money to buy equipment and training for several local groups including Woodlodge youth club, Marjorie McClure specialist school and elderly residents from nearby Oak House.

Youth club worker, Gary Darke, said: “We had a direct request from people on the estate to learn to cook and get to grips with IT to enhance their life skills. This funding allows us to support that ambition.

“We can help young people in the area with CVs and job applications, increasing their job prospects and life chances. At the same time, access to the internet can be life changing for people who have limited mobility and this training will be a very positive way to bring residents together.”

The funding is among the first to be awarded from Sanctuary. The housing provider is offering up to £1,000 to local groups that need financial support for activities within their area.

Sanctuary’s London director of housing operations, Stephanie Killer, added: “We are so happy to be able to give this support to the residents of Woodlodge. Besides access to IT training, these residents will be taught to cook basic, healthy meals, which will increase their wellbeing, increase disposable income and reduce health issues.”

For details on how to apply, contact Sanctuary’s Community Investment team on 01905 334 271 or email peter.hoarle@sanctuary-housing.co.uk.