The Dovecotes community kitchen is the latest initiative from the council and its partners to support residents when they need it most, especially by being able to eat well by having the skills to make the most of food on a budget.

The kitchen is part of the council’s Pocket to Plate initiative and will offer various ways for the community to use the kitchen, including sessions from the community chefs, who will share their expertise to make cooking fun and help families eat tasty, nutritious meals.

Community chef Prince cooked up beef fajitas at the launch in Pendeford giving a taste of what’s to come for the local community if they get involved in the kitchen.

Prince, along with fellow community chef Simon and tiktok sensation Mitch Lane, already post weekly recipes on Pocket to Plate on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to inspire residents.

Prince and Simon, who are based at the WV10 Consortium, hold cooking sessions across the city and this will be another addition to what they can offer.

There will be a chance for residents from the community to train with them and get qualified, but the kitchen also gives residents the chance to just get together and use the facilities to cook, have fun and eat well without spending a fortune.

There will also be a community shop opening at Dovecotes in the coming months, so locals can buy good produce ready to cook in the kitchen.

The shop will be the latest addition to the network created by the council and its partners across the city over the last few years.

Leader of the council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, got a taste of the community kitchen at the launch event.

‘I’ve talked before about the importance of good nutrition in our lives and why it’s so vital to ensure our residents can access good quality food at reasonable prices, especially in these difficult economic times.

‘Food is the foundation upon which a good and healthy life is built. It’s also what brings us together and gives us so many joyous times with our friends and loved ones.

‘I was so impressed with the community kitchen and the opportunities it offers to our residents. I hope it will become a strong part of the local community, helping residents learn about and enjoy good food and happy times no matter what their financial circumstances.’

Nikki Rolls, Dovecotes TMO Chief Officer, said: ‘We are delighted to see the community kitchen open for residents. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together, support families to cook healthy meals on a budget, and create a welcoming space where the community can learn, share and connect.’

The kitchen is a match funded project from the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund, which exists to help families in financial crisis and help build long-term financial resilience.  

If you’d like to find out more about Dovecotes community kitchen and get involved, then contact Tian Currie, Resident Engagement Officer at the Dovecotes former Tenant Management Organisation building where the kitchen is based at Ryefield in Pendeford.  

Anyone struggling financially can also see the full range of support on offer by visiting our cost-of-living webpages – Cost of Living Support | City Of Wolverhampton Council