Headway Eats supper club
How brain injury survivors at a London charity are using cookery to further their cause
In its early days, members of Headway East London – a charity helping those with brain injuries and their families – would come together at lunchtimes each week, making soup and soda bread in tiny ovens. From there, the Headway Eats bimonthly supper club was launched under the guidance of volunteer Joe Trivelli from the famous River Café.
The events are a successful fundraiser, but along with that, they showcase the creative work that goes on in (and comes out) of the kitchen, executed by members of the service despite grappling with a range of challenges. Kitchen lead Thomas Alexander adds that these brain injury survivors ‘are living in a situation where they’re seen (and view themselves) as recipients of care – but cooking for people is one of the ultimate ways of caring for others.’ Dave, one of the team cooking for the club, says that ‘every menu takes weeks to prepare, is often eclectic and open to persuasion. You’re guided (by Joe), but it’s mainly cooked by service users.’
In March, the group cooked a Korean feast, and they’re always in discussion as to which cuisine to learn next. Jackie, another day member who discovered her passion for cooking at Headway, says, ‘We use Good Food recipes, which are fantastic because they work well and are easy to follow.’
Jackie not only enjoys cooking for over 40 people at the events, but says it’s key to changing perceptions because ‘people get to see dierent types of brain injuries. They think it’s a hidden disability, and aren’t always expecting that.’ Jackie hints that the supper club has more ambitious plans for branching out. ‘It’s going to be a new experience for us,’ she says. ‘I’m excited to get out there.’
Maga Flores-trevino
‘I loved reading the article in the January issue about the month’s to-do list and New Year’s resolutions. It reminded me of the time last year when we came across my mother’s old cookbooks. She now sadly suers from dementia and has gone into care. But, one of our fondest cookbooks is her irst, Good Housekeeping Picture Cookery, which she bought when she was married in 1951. She was a wonderful cook and it brought back so many memories of meals we’d had during our childhood. She inspired us all with her love of cooking, and was never one to shy away from trying something new!
I’ll certainly be trying some of our old favourites this year and raising a glass to Mum. The book is falling apart now from so much use, but I’ll always treasure it and pass it onto to my daughter.’