Recipe for success as DIY volunteers transform young people’s communal kitchen

The volunteers, who are normally based at Sanctuary Supported Living’s head office in Worcester, spent the day painting, decorating, and refreshing the space at the Foyer, to create a welcoming environment where residents can bond, share meals, and develop essential life skills.

Residents also worked alongside the volunteers, fostering a sense of achievement and ownership of their living space. The refreshed kitchen is now a welcoming hub for communal activities, helping to build a sense of community among residents.

Weston Foyer provides accommodation and tailored support for young people aged 16 to 25, encouraging them to develop their skills and live as independently as possible.

The kitchen transformation is part of Sanctuary Supported Living’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of its young residents.

With the newly revamped kitchen, residents now have a bright, comfortable place where they can have fun together, build friendships, and learn to cook – helping to support good health and money management.

Several of Sanctuary Supported Living’s suppliers also supported the project, including Innerglass, who provided around £1000 worth of kitchen supplies including an air fryer, AkzoNobel, who gave paint and brushes, and Brakes, who donated a new toaster.

In addition, Sanctuary’s Resident Engagement team provided a £500 grant, which was used to purchase a new dining table and chairs, as well as additional cookware and decorative items, to help make the kitchen a warm and welcoming place for residents.

Roxy Povey, Local Service Manager at Weston Foyer, praised the volunteers and highlighted the positive impact of the project, saying: “It’s been wonderful to see our communal kitchen transformed into a space that the residents can truly be proud of. The volunteers did an amazing job, and the residents were thrilled to be part of the process.

"We’re really grateful to everyone who took part, and to the companies who generously donated to the project – it’s going to make a massive difference to lives of the young people we support.”

In the next few weeks, Sanctuary Supported Living’s Hospitality team will also be using the newly refurbished kitchen to run an ‘Eating well for less’ course for residents, teaching them how to use their new kitchen gadgets to prepare a variety of classic dishes.

The course will cover the basics of food safety and show residents how to use up leftovers to make healthy and delicious new dishes, while also saving money and reducing food waste.

Residents will also have access to Sanctuary Supported Living’s Eating Well for Less guide and recipe book, as well as a bank of over 1,300 recipes, created by the team.

Will Childe, Hospitality Services Manager, and one of the volunteers on the day, said: “I hope the young people at Weston Foyer enjoy using their newly revamped communal kitchen. It’s a much more practical space now, and I’m looking forward to returning soon to help residents get creative on a budget in the kitchen. Having the tools and the skills they need will be a great benefit to them in learning to live independently."

To find out more about life with Sanctuary Supported Living, read about the support we offer for young people, read our latest news, or find a service near you.