Potter Street Health & Wellbeing Hub

Norman Booth Recreation Centre - Men’s Kitchen

Norman Booth Recreation Centre is a charitable incorporated organisation serving the local community in Harlow. The Men’s Kitchen project will deliver a programme of weekly cooking classes that use shared food preparation and meals as a way to build connection, confidence and wellbeing among local men.

What will the Kao SEED Fund support?

The funding will support a six‑week series of weekly cooking classes for up to ten men, including venue and equipment, ingredients, and core delivery costs. Sessions will focus on learning to cook and eating together, using practical kitchen activity to encourage conversation, belonging and healthier eating habits.

Who is the project helping support?

The project supports men in the local community, particularly those experiencing loneliness or social isolation, by providing a safe, activity‑based space to meet and talk. It also offers paid, real‑world enterprise experience to two local high‑school pupils, alongside supporting local independent food retailers and the Norman Booth centre through targeted Harlow Pound spending.

Impact of the project

The project aims to reduce loneliness, increase confidence and improve mental wellbeing and nutrition among participating men, measured through attendance, pre‑ and post‑questionnaires and skills assessments. It will also build employability, life skills and confidence for two high‑school assistants, while directing local spend to Harlow shops and strengthening the Recreation Centre’s ability to host wider community activities.