The Sara Lee Trust
Mental wellbeing
We aim to provide a healthy and nurturing cooking course for people affected by life threatening illnesses such as cancer, to improve their mental wellbeing and relationship with food.
Sign in or become a Co-op Member to support this cause
About this cause
The Sara Lee Trust supports people whose lives have been turned upside down by a diagnosis of life threatening illness such as cancer, motor neurone disease or multiple sclerosis. Our highly qualified team delivers the best quality specialised complementary therapies, counselling and group therapeutic activities at the right time and place for the individual. Working across Hastings and Rother, East Sussex, we support around 800 people per year from our three therapy hubs, at home, in the community, or remotely. Uniquely, we provide support to the patient’s family members, carers and other loved ones, improving resilience in the community around the patient. The Trust accepts referrals from all health professionals, and is the only provider of these specialised services in the region.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Our Wellbeing Through Food course helps people affected by cancer and other life threatening illnesses to improve their relationship with food and cooking, and to increase their mental wellbeing at a time of significant stress. The course is open to patients, carers and family members. The effects of life threatening illness can severely impact appetite, sense of taste, enjoyment of food, and energy levels. Our course provides a supportive, nurturing and friendly space to explore food and cooking. Rather than providing a set recipe, the course enables participants to feel confident experimenting with ingredients that work best for them. Participants also benefit from learning together with others in the same situation, and develop lasting and supportive friendship networks.