Aberlour Child Care Trust, 36 Park Terrace, Stirling FK8 2JR
Tel: 01786 450335 Fax: 01786 473238
News - in Depth
27/4/2007
PHOTOCALL - Top Chef Gives Thumbs Up to Cookery Book from Women affected by Drugs and Alcohol
Date: 27th April
Time: 12.00pm
Venue: Renfield St. Stephen’s Church Centre, Bath Street, Glasgow
Top Scottish Chef, Nick Nairn, has praised a group of women working with Aberlour to overcome their drug and and/or alcohol addictions to produce a cookery book. The book called 'Help Yersel' was put together with the help and contributions from 20 women from across three projects run by the charity in Glasgow. It will be launched on Friday 27th April at St Stephen's Church Centre, Bath Street.
Nick Nairn said: "I am so impressed that a group of women trying to overcome their drug addictions have been able, with the support of Aberlour children's charity, to produce the cookery book 'Help Yersel'.
“I know how much hard work, enthusiasm and research must have been involved. What makes this even more of an achievement is that these women managed to do it, whilst at the same time coming to terms with huge changes and challenges in their lives. I hope the process of learning about cooking and pooling recipes will give them the confidence to start cooking with their own children and families at home.”
All the women involved in the cookery book project are working with Aberlour's drug and alcohol services; either as a resident in one of the two residential rehabilitation units in the city or as part of the community outreach service. The project is one of the innovative ways Aberlour uses to help women improve their literacy and numeracy skills. The cookery book involved an opportunity to research recipes, learn about health eating, menu planning and budgeting. Some of the essential life skills these women need to help them move forward with their family life.
Addie Stevenson, Chief Executive, Aberlour Child Care Trust, adds:
"This cookery book has been put together by women who have passed through Aberlour drug and alcohol services on their way to better futures. At Aberlour we want to get it right first time, but realise that sometimes it takes a few attempts - with recipes as so much else in life. The women have worked hard and given generously of their time and along the way have had an opportunity to exercise newly learned skills in a positive and meaningful way."
The book was funded using a £3,000 grant from Learning Connections and was written, designed and produced by the women with help from Aberlour and the Glasgow Print Studio.
- ends
For more information contact Ann-Marie Fry and Kelly Bayes on tel. 01786 450335
Notes to editors:
- Kelly age 27 is one of the women involved in the project and here she talks about what it has meant to her:
"I started taking drugs when I was 16. I was clean for about 3 years, but then there was a death in the family and I couldn't cope and went straight back to them. My son doesn't live with me, but I get to see him everyday. He's the reason I now want to stop. I used to feel worried about leaving the house. With all the help and support I've got from Aberlour, I now have lots of things to do and I feel ready to come off my methadone script and be completely drug free again. The cookery book has been great. I've got something to show at the end of it. I really liked going to the print studios and wish I could do something else like that again. It has helped me feel good about myself and I may even try cooking some of the things in the book with my son".
- Aberlour has two projects in Glasgow; Number 1 and Scarrel Road that provides rehabilitation to women with problematic drug and/or alcohol use and their children aged up to 12. These two projects work with both the parent and child to reduce the adverse impact of drugs/alcohol, improving parenting, and enhance the parent child relationship. Aberlour also offers an Outreach service that works with women and children aged up to 12 preparing for admission to Aberlour’s residential rehabilitation projects in Glasgow and provides support when leaving the rehab. There is a dedicated children’s worker and employability, literacy and creative therapy services are also provided.
- Aberlour works in Scotland with and for children, young people and families who need additional support to promote their development and well being. It has 46 services and helps 6000 people a year.
Return to Latest News.
More stories like this one can be found in the News Archive or the Press Release section.