Hugh Baird College Students Get A Taste of Nordic Food Culture

IN preparation for their own Nordic themed evening at the L20 Restaurant, a group of budding young chefs from Hugh Baird College's renowned L20 Hotel School were recently taken on an educational visit to the Danish capital of Copenhagen.

The Level 3 professional cookery students will host an evening treating guests to traditional Danish food that will be freshly prepared on site. To prepare a suitable menu for the evening a team of lecturers took the students over to Copenhagen for 3 days, giving them plenty of opportunity to gather inspiration for their own menu.

Students took part in activities such as touring the street food markets serving a wide range of foods and having dinner at a classic Danish restaurant, allowing them to further their knowledge of typical Danish cuisine. Students were even able to take part in a cookery class with the head chef and team at Kokkeriet, a Michelin starred restaurant. While at the restaurant the students also got to work alongside the team and cook their own 5 course contemporary Danish menu. They were also given advice on wine pairing.

Level 3 cookery student, Adam Woods from Huntscross said:- "The trip was really interesting to see the food culture in another country and really helpful for us to gather some inspiration for our own menu. The whole group really enjoyed it and filled us with excitement for our own event."

Hugh Baird College Catering Coordinator, Stephen Otty said:- "The experience was originally designed to give students a well rounded understanding of Danish cuisine for their Nordic themed evening, but they have come away with some great experiences and tips that they can use when they go on to pursue their career paths."

Charity Helps Carers Gain Certification In The Healing Touch

8 carers have proved they literally have the healing touch by passing their assessments for a complementary therapy programme which will enhance their work with older people and those living with dementia.

The 8 women - 7 from Knowsley Council's adult social care team and 1 volunteer; passed their Aromatouch assessments, a course which was funded by charity International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) and Knowsley Council.

Aromatouch is a specially developed aromatherapy course for carers. The course enables them to help their clients or family members with the use of massage and touch using specific aromatherapy oils.

The certificate presentation took place, on Monday, 29 January 2018, at The Old Schoolhouse, in Huyton, Liverpool. It was followed by a lunch and evaluation event with other Aromatouch graduates who have used their aromatherapy skills in various settings, including working with their own disabled children, other family members and charitable events.

The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), a UK registered charity, is the oldest and leading professional and training body for Aromatherapists and IFA Chairman, Colleen O'Flaherty believes it is vital the organisation shares the benefits of aromatherapy with both the public and professionals.

Colleen said:- "Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils is something which takes a lot of study to master and fully understand but our Aromatouch courses are incredibly useful as they target the use of specific oils and offer a tailored curriculum in order for carers to gain practical skills which they can put to good use with a wide range of people who they may be caring for either in a professional or personal capacity."

Speaking after the certificate presentation, Liverpool Aromatouch Leader Clinical Aromatherapist and IFA member, Sheila Ladanowski said:- "I am so pleased the latest Aromatouch Class have passed their assessment. They will be able to use their sensory skills and knowledge to enhance the care that they provide to adults with disability, as well as older people and those living with various conditions, including dementia. We know that aromatherapy can have a very positive impact in a variety of care settings. This helps to make a sustainable difference to quality of life ". The IFA and Knowsley Council deserve so much praise for developing and supporting Aromatouch."

The Knowsley Council team now hopes to set up sensory areas in Huyton, Kirkby and Halewood activity bases where the aromatherapy sessions can be delivered.

For more information on aromatherapy or to contact an IFA qualified Aromatherapist near you, please visit:- IFAroma.Org.