It might be cold outside but things are certainly hotting up at Bedford Foyer where a brand new cooker is helping residents serve up warming winter dishes.

Managed by bpha, Bedford Foyer provides housing for homeless people aged 16 to 24. The new cooker was needed for the regular cookery courses that are run for residents. The courses enable residents and other young people in the local area to learn about healthy eating and eating on a budget, as well as gain skills to help them be independent and seek further employment.

In addition, the cooker is used every day by ‘Uncle Phil’s’, the Foyer café service where residents and members of the public can buy food inexpensively.

Helen Murfitt, Deputy Foyer Manager, said: “We use the kitchen to hold healthy eating sessions twice a week, and the cooker desperately needed to be replaced as it was too small and was taking ages to cook anything. Through various fundraising events during the past few months, we raised enough money to pay for a brand new cooker that can cope with the high demand for which it is needed.

“This means a lot to residents and staff and I can’t thank everyone enough for their help and support!”

‘Uncle Phil’s’ café, based at the Foyer, is open to the public Monday to Friday from 10am to 2.30pm. It is run by volunteers including residents and all proceeds go towards the Foyer.

For more information, contact 0330 100 0272 or email info@bpha.org.uk.