Build Confidence in the Kitchen

Cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about connection, creativity, and confidence.

Today marked the start of a new 6-week block of Age Concern Nelson Tasman Cooking Classes, taking place Tuesday mornings at the Food Factory. Our wonderful instructor, professional chef Aimee Birmingham, warmly welcomed our new joiners along with several returning participants.

Our cooking classes run throughout the year, in 6-week blocks. These classes are a great way to build or rebuild confidence in the kitchen, while having fun, meeting people and maybe learning something new.

Chef Aimee creates a warm and relaxed environment to have fun and learn

Best part of the day, enjoying the results of the class

Whether you're brushing up on skills or starting fresh, our cooking classes offer a welcoming space to explore new recipes, gain confidence in your abilities, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something nourishing. And best of all, you’ll share in the timeless joy of breaking bread together—making new friends and meaningful memories around the table.

A supportive, hands-on class environment helps in many ways:

Relearn foundational skills or adapt to new ones if needed (e.g., cooking for one, adjusting for dietary needs, using an air fryer).
Try new recipes and ingredients in a low-pressure setting where you can ask any questions and get advice.
Feel more independent and capable, which can be empowering and uplifting.
Have fun and enjoy delicious food! One of the biggest highlights of this format is the friendly and easy-going atmosphere. You’ll have a chance to chat, ask questions and make suggestions. At the end of the class everyone sits down together to enjoy the food you’ve created.

Age Concern Nelson Tasman Cooking Classes

Age Concern Nelson Tasman’s Cooking Classes offer a fun, engaging way to meet others, learn some news skills and build confidence in the kitchen. Each class is two hours long and together you’ll make one sweet and one savoury dish which is then eaten at the end of the session.

Where: Food Factory, 11 Findlay Place, Stoke (behind Pics Peanut Butter)
When: Tuesday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm (each block of classes runs for 6 weeks)
Cost: $30 for the full 6 week course

Register for a 6-week course - dates: