Food Education

Cooking classes

We deliver over 200 cooking classes each year in our specially equipped kitchen at the Good Food Depot and at satellite venues across the Lothians. The aim of the classes is to inspire people to eat well on a budget, to have the confidence to 'have a go' at making a meal and to enjoy the social benefits good food can bring, through the enjoyment of good company and a meal together with friends. To join a cooking class or make a referral, please complete the application form (you will find it at the bottom of this page).

Classes held in the Good Food Training Kitchen
TUESDAY - 11.00am - 1.00pm and 4.00pm - 6.00pm
WEDNESDAY - 11.00am - 1.00pm
THURSDAY - 11.00am - 1.00pm (Advanced Class)
plus a monthly Italian Cooking Class

Comments from participants:

"I enjoyed it all, meeting new people, learning new skills and healthy eating." 24 year old single mother living in supported accommodation

"Jimmy has learnt a lot about the economics of buying ingredients and making things last - really important as he is on a very low budget." Comment from a Support Worker

"I want to learn how to cook something simple for myself." Jake, 48 years old, living in his own flat and taking his first steps to becoming part of a community

We can deliver cooking classes tailored to your specification in our specially equipped training kitchen at Jane Street in Leith or in your own premises. Contact us.

Click here for some great recipies

Good Food Good Health

This is a comprehensive course, training organisations to skill up people to implement and sustain their own cooking class.

An innovative approach helping support workers to help clients from vulnerable groups learn valuable independent living skills focussed on food and health. This Award is jointly accredited by Cyrenians and REHIS, bringing together a wealth of experience and expertise in the fields of social exclusion, food and healthy living.

We typically work with 2 people from an organisation building their skills up over a 10 week period (28 hours training) and will also bring clients into the learning process. Participants attending the course will gain the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to deliver their own client cooking classes safely at their premises.

We also provide an extensive pack of resources that can be used in the delivery of future classes. The clients attending will have the added associated benefits of attending cooking classes including a positive social experience, learning about healthy balanced diets, practising do-able recipes, budget planning and improved self esteem.

Next course starts 29 & 30 May - spaces still available. Please contact us.

Food hygiene and health training

The Cyrenians Good Food project provides Elementary Food Hygiene and Food & Health courses accredited by REHIS (Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland) on a regular basis. We organise the courses specifically for those who work in the field of homelessness and social exclusion and we can also deliver courses to the hotel and catering industry. Courses can also be delivered to organisations at their own premises.

We also deliver the basic introduction to Food Hygiene course which is often the starting point for service users interested in being involved in this area of work or training. Click here for more details.

Improving practise and provision

Through our improving practice and provision programme, we share our learning with other organisations working with people who are experiencing homelessness.
In addition, our annual Food Conference provides the chance for organisations to find out how good food can be used creatively to support people overcoming homelessness or other complex needs. Our handbook is an invaluable resource for oragnisations seeking to improve awareness of healthy eating and teach basic cooking skills. You can download it below.



Cyrenians is grateful for the grant from the Irish Government's Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) which specifically benefits Cyrenians Good Food Project in the delivery of services to members of Irish communities.