Lighthouse Educational Society – Supporting children with families from disadvantaged background

Cookery Club

sumeyye — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:15:41 +0000

At Lighthouse Educational Society, our Cookery Club is about much more than cooking.

Yes, we cook together, share recipes, and learn practical kitchen skills — but what really makes these sessions special is what happens around the table. People talk. They laugh. They share stories from home. Confidence grows quietly, week by week.

For some, it is a chance to learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget. For others, it is a reason to leave the house, meet people, and feel part of a friendly group. We often see people arrive feeling unsure or a little shy, then gradually begin to take part, try new things, and enjoy being in the space.

Our sessions are especially important for people who may be dealing with isolation, low income, language barriers, or a lack of confidence. We work with adults, families, older people, and people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and we aim to make every session welcoming, practical, and respectful of different cultures and experiences.

We also use the sessions to share simple, useful conversations around healthy eating and wellbeing — not in a formal way, but in a way that feels natural and easy to follow. Small changes at home can make a real difference, and we want people to leave with ideas they can actually use.

Over time, Cookery Club helps people build more than cooking skills. It helps build routine, connection, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging. It brings people together in a safe and supportive environment, and that has a real impact on wellbeing.

Community Levelling Up in Croydon

sumeyye — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:48:06 +0000

Community Levelling Up in Croydon, a project designed to empower and uplift our community through education and skill development. The demand for our services has seen a significant surge as we strive to educate, train, and qualify disadvantaged and vulnerable members for success in the workforce and in society. Our diverse range of activities and sessions include literacy and numeracy classes, health and wellbeing workshops, digital skills training, job club sessions offering CV assistance and job matching, ESOL classes, social gatherings to foster open dialogue, and even a cookery club catering to our elders and others in the community.

The impact of these initiatives has been remarkable, with a substantial increase in the number of individuals benefiting from our voluntary efforts and funded projects. Thanks to the support of the National Lottery UK Community Fund, we’ve been able to further these essential programs. The ‘Community Levelling Up’ project is dedicated to enhancing the lives of our community members by addressing their needs and equipping them with the tools for a brighter future. We’re committed to making a tangible difference, one skill at a time.

Download Annual Impact Report 2024/2025

Art Workshops

sumeyye — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:57:24 +0000

We run friendly, supportive art sessions for community members of different ages and backgrounds. You don’t need to be “good at art” to join — the workshops are about taking part, trying new things, and enjoying the process, not getting it perfect.

For many people, creativity is a gentle way to support wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, improve mood, and give people time away from daily pressures. It also brings people together in a relaxed setting, where conversation and connection happen naturally.

Finding Strength Through Community: Poona and Liza’s Story

sumeyye — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:49:37 +0000

Poona and Liza are two long-time friends and active participants in the Community Levelling Up project, particularly the Cookery Club. For both women—now in their mid-80s—joining the sessions has provided more than just an opportunity to cook. It has become a vital part of their weekly routine and a key pillar of their emotional and physical well-being.

Originally attending a healthy cooking class recommended by doctors, they reconnected at Lighthouse’s cookery sessions, which promote nutritious, low-cost cooking while bringing together people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The club offered them something deeper: friendship, routine, learning, and a sense of purpose.

“We always meet together and come to class. We help with the prep, wash our hands, and get involved. It’s good for the brain. It keeps us active, and we enjoy it together.”

Pooana

In one session, Poona noticed a fellow participant, Isik, limping and mentioned she might want to check for diabetes. Her intuition proved right—after being encouraged to visit the GP, Isik was diagnosed with diabetes and is now receiving treatment. This simple, caring exchange between participants reflects the deep trust and peer support fostered by the project.

But the cookery club has also been a place of emotional support. Earlier this year, Poona and Liza learned that a close friend, whom they had met through another local project, had passed away suddenly at home. Living alone and with limited family support, this loss shook them both—bringing fears of their own isolation to the surface.

“We were heartbroken. It really hit us—what if something like that happened to us? We were very down. But coming here… the team noticed. They sat with us, comforted us, and made sure we didn’t feel alone.”

With the support of staff and peers at Lighthouse, they found comfort, care, and community. The sessions became not just about food but healing, reconnection, and resilience.

Now part of a trio—including a friend, Ganga—Poona and Liza continue to participate in sessions, attend health walks, and share updates with others. Their presence helps uplift newer members, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone, regardless of age or background, feels they belong.

“It’s not just about cooking. It’s about company, well-being, and knowing someone is there.”