Headway Gateshead and South Tyneside celebrated the end of the Cook-ability project on 26 March 2012 with an afternoon tea event attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Gateshead.

The six week project saw members making and baking a variety of dishes.  Members learnt new skills or refreshed existing skills each week by cooking different recipes.

Mary Burns, the cookery tutor (from the Life Long learning team) said "The members have produced some excellent dishes; the standard of work has been very high.  I have enjoyed working with the group very much"

As well as the practical skills gained group members enjoyed the social and fun aspect of the project. Members enjoyed choosing what to bake; chocolate cake, apple pie and smartie cookies were some of the recipes chosen!

One participant said "It has given me confidence to start cooking again, I have enjoyed it"

The Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Joe Mitchinson said " I cannot stress enough how important projects like this are, it really has been a brilliant project".  The Mayor went on to present certificates and cook books to each participant and talked to everyone about their achievements.

Claire Tritton Community Development Officer said "Headway Gateshead and South Tyneside would like to thank Gateshead PCT, Health and Well Being Programme and Gateshead Council, Lifelong learning team for funding Cook-ability.  This funding gave us the opportunity to design a bespoke project with our members and it has been a great project to be involved with".

Claire added "We would also like to thank the Mayor and Mayoress for attending the end of project celebration event, it was a really enjoyable afternoon and we are delighted they were able to take time from their busy schedule to join us".