Jenny a friendly, curious, and active participant at our Seven Hills Day Program, has recently found a new love for cooking. Although she had never been interested in it before, with some gentle encouragement from our Seven Hills team, cooking and spending time in the kitchen has now become a fun and meaningful part of her day.
Since the cooking program started in June, Jenny and other participants have been getting hands on in the kitchen, learning how to prepare food and create some home staples like pancakes, burgers and stir-fry dishes.
Anthony, the Practice Manager at the Seven Hills Centre shares how the program has helped build a strong foundation for independence through skills development.
“We introduced the cooking program to help participants build independence by learning everyday skills like preparing meals and staying safe in the kitchen. It also supports the development of confidence in areas such as decision-making, communication, and problem-solving through practical, real-life experiences,” he says.
“Jenny loves every moment of cooking. Whether she’s prepping or actively cooking, she feels happy, smiles widely, laughs and delights in being part of the team and contributing her input. Her enthusiasm is infectious.”
Anthony – Seven Hills Practice Manager
She initially experienced some speech and communication challenges in the kitchen, so her speech therapist and support workers created a tailored process for her, beginning with simple dishes like hot chocolate and toasted sandwiches, to help her build confidence and develop basic cooking skills.
This approach focused on breaking down tasks into manageable steps, allowing Jenny to engage fully in the cooking process in her own way while building her confidence, using this for the rest of the program.
Anthony says cooking now gives Jenny more than just a tasty meal, adding that it’s an opportunity for her to be fully engaged, make her own choices, and feel proud of her achievements.
“Each session is carefully supported so Jenny can take part at her own pace, whether it’s planning the menu, preparing ingredients, or serving the final dish,” Anthony says.
“Participants really feel a sense of achievement after finishing the cooking classes, and as a treat, they get to enjoy a tasty lunch with their friends afterwards.
“Cooking is something Jenny looks forward to; it’s a positive, rewarding part of her routine that adds variety and enjoyment to her day at the Seven Hills Day centre.”
Staff at Seven Hills regularly receive positive feedback from families and carers about the cooking program. Participants are growing in confidence, finding joy in trying new things, and proudly talking about the skills they’re developing each week. For staff, hearing these stories reinforces why the program matters so much: it’s not just an activity, but a meaningful pathway for connection, independence, and personal growth.
Jenny’s story shows how active support can transform ordinary activities into opportunities for growth. By focusing on her interests and providing the right level of assistance, Jenny is discovering new passions and developing new skills to live more independently.
Build Skills, Make Friends, Have Fun!
At Ability Options, our flexible, participant-led Day Programs and Social Activities help adults 18+ build skills, connect with others, and engage in their community.
Whether you want to grow your confidence, meet new people, or try something new, there’s a place for you at Ability Options. Get in touch to learn more about programs and supports available near you.
