The Morrisons Foundation, the charitable arm of the supermarket, has donated £1,493 to St Margaret’s Hospice Care to support its bereaved carers cookery courses which will take place when current Government Covid-19 restrictions allow.
As part of St Margaret’s support for those who have lost loved ones, bereaved carers will be offered the opportunity to take part in a cookery course in the Yeovil Hospice Hub. Each course consists of six sessions led by Barbara Ruff, St Margaret’s Carer Support Coordinator. The carers learn how to cook recipes they love to eat, from lasagne to stew or even a batch of scones. The course also offers an opportunity for carers to share their grief with people who are in a similar position to themselves.
The grant will pay for the purchase and installation of a new oven and hob along with other kitchen equipment so that groups can begin to take place as soon as Government restrictions allow. These courses have taken place across the county before but this is the first time they are available in the Yeovil Hospice Hub.
The application was submitted in partnership with staff at Morrisons in the Yeovil store, who have offered ongoing support by providing ingredients for the courses. Yeovil day hospice services will also be able to make use of the equipment during its sessions.
A past participant said “The cookery course was wonderful and Barbara has been a great host. I have learnt so much and had a great experience. Thank you so much.” Another said “The cooking course was brilliant and has given me confidence to cook at home – thank you so much.”
The hospice has received some great feedback from the courses - saying the course not only increases their confidence in cooking but also reduces the isolation they felt. It gave them the opportunity to create new friendships with people who understand what they are going through.
St Margaret’s Hospice Care is excited to be able to offer this support in the Yeovil area, thanks to both the Morrisons Foundation and Morrisons in Yeovil. Kat Watts, Grants and Major Donor Fundraiser at St Margaret’s Hospice said
On behalf of everyone at the hospice, I would like to thank The Morrisons Foundation and Morrisons Yeovil for their support. Their grant and ongoing donations of food will enable us to create a new cooking area at our Yeovil Hospice Hub which will bring together those grieving the loss of their loved ones. By cooking together, they will learn new skills, have a chance to discuss their feelings while doing something practical and find friends who understand what they are going through. The space will also be an amazing resource for all of our day services which operate at our Hospice Hub and we look forward to seeing how creatively it will be used.
Liz Templar, Community Champion at the Yeovil store noted,
I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to help such a great local charity. St Margaret’s Hospice have provided so much support to people throughout our community and I’m delighted to be able to help them with the cookery courses for carers.
The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives. Since launching over £30 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.
Local charities are encouraged to visit www.morrisonsfoundation.com to find out how to apply for a grant.