Wholesome, hearty, and affordable meal ideas were top of the menu during a community event hosted by Paula McIntyre and leading social housing provider, Choice Housing.
Paula McIntyre
As part of Shared Housing Week – and in partnership with the well-known TV chef – the event provided individuals and families from Stiles Way with practical hints and tips, and useful advice.
Stiles Way is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Housing for All Shared Housing Programme and will see a potential investment of £2.14million incorporating the development and associated five-year good relations plan.
Supported by Antrim Community Fridge – a charity which redistributes food and saves it from going to waste – and Castle Mall Shopping Centre, the cooking demonstration was organised to show people how they can make nutritious meals while keeping costs down.
Jonathan Blakely – the Community Development Manager at Choice – said: “Food has a fantastic way of bringing people together, and this community event is a great example of how community partnerships can create positive experiences for our residents. Paula’s focus on cooking on a budget will provide practical ideas that people can take away and use at home, while also celebrating the value of sharing food and enjoying time together.”
Extensive evidence shows that many people in Northern Ireland continue to struggle to afford nutritious meals, with reports from organisations such as the Consumer Council, and Safefood, showing that low-income families must spend up to forty-five per cent or more of their weekly household income simply to buy a basic, healthy basket of food.
Paula McIntyre is a household name here thanks to her ‘Hamely Cooking’ series on BBC Northern Ireland. She trained at Johnson and Wales University before opening award-winning restaurant The Undrie in Manchester. Returning home in 1998, Paula worked as Head Chef at popular restaurants Ghan House in Carlingford and Fontana in Holywood.
“I was delighted to be taking part in Choice’s Shared Housing Week,” said Paula. “From my experience, cooking good food does not have to be expensive, and I was happy to get the chance to share simple, affordable and tasty ideas that everyone can enjoy!”
Shared Housing Week celebrates the benefits of shared spaces and stronger community connections and through a programme of activities and events, Choice is encouraging residents to share experiences, learn from one another, and explore practical ways to improve everyday life, while reinforcing its commitment to creating thriving communities.
Jonathan added: “At Choice, we want to be much more than just a landlord. We have a responsibility to play a positive role in the communities where we operate, to listen to what matters to local people and, wherever we can, provide practical support that makes a difference.
“Events like this with Paula McIntyre are another great way for us to work alongside local organisations, bring people together and give something back to the communities we are proud to serve. It is also about making sure our residents know that Choice is here to support them in ways that extend beyond providing a home.”
The event is one of a number held by Choice during Shared Housing Week that has been supported by the Department for Communities (DfC), and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Housing for All Shared Housing Programme – an initiative borne from the Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy that reflects its long-held commitment to improving community relations and continue the work towards a united, shared society.
