Kettering charity launches pioneering training café to tackle the growing crisis facing vulnerable young people

Auntie’s Cookery Academy (ACA), a Registered charity (no. 1216010) founded by local resident Emily-Jane Dale, is preparing to open a dedicated training café that will equip care-experienced and vulnerable young people with the life skills, qualifications and confidence they need to live independently and move into employment.

More than just a café, the venue has been designed as a place where young people can learn practical cookery, gain an NCFE-accredited level 2 award, build employability skills and, perhaps most importantly, become part of a community that believes in them.

A different way of tackling an old problem

Every year, young people leave the care system expected to navigate adulthood alone.

Many have never been taught how to budget, cook a nutritious meal, apply for a job or manage household bills.

The consequences are significant.

83% of care-experienced young people are not self-sufficient after leaving care. Around half experience illegal substance use, and one in four become involved with the criminal justice system.

Emily-Jane believes those outcomes are not inevitable.

“We often expect young people to succeed without ever giving them the skills or confidence to do so. Auntie’s Cookery Academy exists to change that. Food is simply the vehicle—we’re really teaching independence, resilience, confidence and hope. We are creating a pathway to employment and not to prison.”

To help with our mission or find out more visit our website