COMMUNITY groups across Dorset are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and launch their own cooking clubs.

The recent sell-out cook-a-long event, Get Dorset Cooking, brought more than 80 people together in Dorchester, proving that food could do far more than fill plates.

Organisers said shared cooking sessions help tackle loneliness, boost confidence and encourage healthier eating without the need for fancy kitchens or professional chefs.

Run by healthy cooking charity The Friendly Food Club and backed by Dorset Council, the project aims to help villages, churches, libraries and community groups transform ordinary spaces into welcoming places where people can cook, eat and connect.

Whether it is a village hall, church kitchen or community centre, groups are being offered training, cooking equipment and practical support to start their own sessions.

Cabinet member for public health, prevention and communities Cllr Matt Bell said the recent Dorchester event showed “just how powerful cooking and sharing food can be”.

“It helps people build confidence, make friendships and develop healthier habits, and it’s something everyone can be part of,” he said.

The Dorchester cook-a-long featured inspiration from celebrity chef Lesley Waters, Great British Menu chef Nicholas Balfe and Steve Yates, head chef at The King’s Arms in Dorchester.

Participants cooked side-by-side before sitting down to share meals and ideas.

Chief executive of The Friendly Food Club Liz Guilmant-Cush said the initiative had already helped thousands of people improve cooking skills and confidence.

“We support community group leaders and volunteers to run their own regular local sessions, helping more people get cooking and enjoy the companionship, social connection and health benefits that creating simple meals together can bring,” she said.

With Volunteers’ Week approaching, residents who love food are also being encouraged to lend a hand at their local lunch clubs, cafés and community groups.