The team  in Haswell, County Durham were aware that many mothers with young families did not know how to shop for, prepare and cook meals with fresh produce. 

They also were aware that people in the area live on very low incomes and trying a new meal involves a considerable risk – if it is not liked, the family goes hungry.

They tackled this risk by organising a free eight-week course for mothers in the area to learn how to make a healthy meal. 

This was done with a local butcher who supplied fresh meat for the course and give advice on cooking it.  The PCT covered his costs through a voucher scheme and the costs of providing the other ingredients.

This idea went on to be introduced nationally as the ‘Healthy Start’ voucher scheme.

The team contacted the mothers nine weeks after the course to monitor the outcomes and offer further advice and support. All but one of the participants were using their new skills and continuing to shop the local butcher and food co-op.