Food for Thought Mentoring

Nurturing Food Confidence

Supporting children aged 5-17 to explore food joyfully, whether neurotypical or neurodiverse, right here in the Forest of Dean.

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Our Services

Personalized mentoring and fun workshops for kids aged 5-17.

Mentoring

One-on-one sessions helping children build confidence around food.

Workshops

Interactive group activities from cake decorating to tackling food poverty.

Our Story

My journey into food mentoring didn't start in a professional kitchen, even though I’ve spent 23 years there. It started at home.

As a mum to a neurodiverse 6-year-old, I’ve seen firsthand the gaps in a system that often fails to accommodate children who don’t "fit the box." Watching the struggles within mainstream environments set me on a mission: to create the safe, judgment-free space I wanted for my own child. A space where curiosity is celebrated, and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to explore.

Why Food? Food is more than just fuel; for many children, it is a sensory mountain to climb. Having worked in the food industry for years, I have seen the impact of food poverty in our beautiful Forest of Dean. It became my goal to arm our young people with the self-sufficiency they need—teaching them how to cook nutritious meals from scratch using simple, low-cost ingredients.

What I Offer I combine my professional background with a "child-at-heart" approach to offer something truly different for our community:

• 1:1 Mentoring & Essential Workshops: I use the kitchen to nurture confidence and fine motor skills, helping children aged 5 to 17 navigate textures and smells at their own pace.

• Educational Party Packages: I believe learning should be a celebration! Our parties are a unique, stress-free experience for parents where our very own mascots join in to help the children make lunch and decorate cupcakes.

• Mascot Visits: For a smaller touch of magic, our mascots offer doorstep visits and party appearances to hand out treats and smiles.

• Cake Decorating: My personal passion for the last 13 years has been the art of cake decorating. I now share these "edible art" skills through workshops across the Forest.

Whether we are exploring a new vegetable in a 1:1 session or dancing with a mascot at a birthday party, my goal remains the same: to make every child in the Forest of Dean feel capable, seen, and empowered.

I’m always happy to have a quiet chat about your child’s needs—please do get in touch.