Ashington elderly complete course on eating well

Posted by The Journal on Nov 20, 09 02:44 PM in News

Elderly and disabled people who use a Northumberland day care centre are being given tips on how to eat well without spending a fortune.

Staff at the St John Ambulance Northumbria day centre in Ashington have completed an Eat Well For Less course - and are sharing their new found expertise with those they look after.

They are encouraging the elderly users to cook up nourishing meals rather than open a packet.

Centre manager, Sharon Scott, said: "Many of our users are elderly and live on their own, and they don't bother to cook for themselves.

"We want to show everyone that ingredients needn't cost the earth, and that following tips such as using a microwave rather than the oven can bring down gas or electricity bills.''

Joy Storey and Julie McHenry took part in the three-week course, concocting recipes under the watchful eyes of trainer David Malone, from the One Step Real Food Group.

"They were really impressed with everything David taught them, and we have asked him to come in and run sessions with the day centre users,'' said Sharon.

"Among the things he's really keen are on soups and smoothies. Smoothies are a great way to get your five-a-day fruit and veg so one of the first things we're planning is a smoothy tasting afternoon.''

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