How Food Brought Confidence to Young People at Thrive Education

We are about to complete our pilot Thrive Education project, a 15-week Alternative Provision (AP) for young neurodiverse people struggling to attend school or who have partly dropped out. As our project draws to a close, we wanted to take some time to reflect and celebrate the children and the people who made it all possible and what we have achieved together.  

Today Filiz, the amazing cook for Thrive Education, shares what she has witnessed over the course of the 15-week programme.

From Chicken Nuggets to Culinary Adventures – A Journey of Taste, Trust, and Togetherness

Food has the power to bring people together, and in our kitchen, it became the bridge that helped young people explore new flavours, gain confidence, and build friendships. When our students first arrived, their choices were limited and familiar: chicken nuggets, chips, plain pasta. But with time, patience, and open discussions about food, we saw their culinary horizons expand beyond what any of us could have imagined.

Exploring Food Together

Each meal represented an opportunity to talk about flavours, textures, and what we enjoyed eating. Together, we created menus based on what each young person liked, gradually introducing new dishes. At first, they were hesitant, but soon, they started encouraging each other. What began with simple meals evolved into requests for curry chicken, Mexican cuisine, roast dinners, and even pasta Alfredo. Next week, Matthew is excited to try steak and gravy pie with mashed potatoes and vegetables - a testament to how far we've come.

The Heart of Our Community

We set up lunch on a big table, and everyone helps to set up and tidy up - just like a family.  Our lunch table is more than just a place to eat - it’s where we sit together, chat, and share moments of connection, nourishing not just our bodies but also our minds. 

After the meal is over, the young people continue to bond. Some play outside, others challenge each other to a game of pool or table football, or enjoy experimenting on the piano.

A Journey of Growth

Our students' journey with food mirrors their journey with trust. Over the course of the 15-week programme, they opened up, not just to new flavours, but to new experiences, friendships, and confidence in themselves.

Filiz's top tip? Never give up. Always offer food again, even if it was rejected the first time. Tastes change, confidence grows, and with patience and encouragement, new possibilities open. The magic of food is not just in how it tastes but in the way it brings people together and helps them discover their own strength.