FOOD has a way of bringing people together and a monthly cooking group for male carers has given men the chance to get cooking and share their stories. A male caring for a loved one suffering from any disability, dementia, is frail or aged can join the group and work with other men going through a similar situation.
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The male carer cooking program is held on the third Wednesday of each month at the Carunya Dementia Day Therapy Centre at Warilla.
Program co-ordinator Gabi Martinez said often carers could be relatively isolated and unable to leave their loved ones alone at home.
"While they are here, their loved ones are cared for by the dementia registered nurse and they come together to cook in the kitchen and then all share a meal together," she said. "It's a social, fun event and it a good opportunity for the men to talk about their experiences."
The group prepare a gourmet meal of their selection and then invite their partners in and sit down to a feast.
Carer Keith Funnell has been going to the group since it began last year and said there were a lot of reasons why the group was helpful.
"My wife is pretty ill, so to me this is respite, it just gives you a break," Mr Funnell said.
"You get to socialise with others and learn how to cook at the same time.
"Some of the men have never been in a kitchen before and this is their first time. It teaches us the basics and we all cook together while sharing our experiences and stories."
The group take to the kitchen at 3.30pm and cook until 5pm. The next events will be held on August 20, September 17, October 15 and November 19.
For more information phone 4232 0138.
