Rehab therapists help produce ‘Step-by-step Cookbook’ for children with brain injury

UK-based charity for children with brain injury The Children’s Trust has produced a special ‘easy to follow’ recipe book, developed by children and rehabilitation therapists, for the whole family to enjoy and have fun in the kitchen.

‘The Step-by-step Cookbook’ has been created with assistance from young people at The Children’s Trust, who have helped to test out the recipes.

Using simple icons to show what equipment and ingredients are needed, and steps to tick-off with a wipeable marker, the cookbook features 16 recipes. From breakfast dishes to drinks, these include cheesy pasta, mini quiches and lemon drizzle cake. It also provides information on healthy eating, specialist equipment available and cooking tips.

The idea for the recipe book was formed as therapists recognised a need for more accessible recipes. One young person who contributed to the book was 11-year-old Joey, who received rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust following a brain haemorrhage in 2018.

He said: “I love creating my own food and then eating it of course! The cookbook has been great to use as I can easily see what ingredients I need and then follow the steps to find out what’s next.”

Sharon Tuppeny, Head of Therapy Rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust, added: “Cooking has many benefits for children with additional and learning needs such as planning the task, developing motor skills, the social aspects and a sense of achievement.

“Participation in everyday activities is central to our approach at The Children’s Trust and the recipes we’ve included in the book are all used as part of the rehabilitation programme. The young people have really enjoyed following the recipes. It’s a great way to keep busy during the summer holidays whilst also gaining independence.”

Sponsored by Simply Food Solutions, ‘The Step-by-step Cookbook’ also features a keema curry developed by Managing Director of the company, Yaqoob Ishaq.

Speaking about the cookbook, Yaqoob commented: “It has been fantastic to support such a great cause and the cookbook looks fantastic. I really hope that the keema curry is enjoyed by everyone as much as it is in my home.”

The Children’s Trust publishes a number of books to help families and teachers, all available free of charge with P&P costs only. ‘The Step-by-step Cookbook’ is available on the charity’s website