Rob is cooking up a storm - from Mexico to China via Italy!

Rob is thriving in his newly refurbished kitchen

There’s been lots of excitement at recently as Rob settles into using his newly refurbished kitchen, and it’s quickly become one of his favourite spaces in his home. The Team have been taking great care to ensure the kitchen works for Rob, paying close attention to his preferences and enthusiasm for food. When asked if he would like to have a “party”, Rob responded with an excited “ye!” and raised his arms in the air.

With a bit of creative thinking, the Team supported Rob to choose themed cooking sessions using flags to represent different countries. Rob selected Mexico for his first party and chose to make nachos, fully engaging in the cooking process and following guidance from the Team with confidence.

Since then, Rob has enjoyed Italian and Chinese themed cooking sessions, trying new foods, exploring different cultures and even embracing props - from paper moustaches to rice hats - to bring the experience to life.

The photos show just how proud and engaged Rob has been while preparing and enjoying his meals. He has been talkative, animated and clearly happy when spending time in his kitchen with the Team.

What’s working well

• Rob is actively involved in preparing his own meals.

• He is safely following guidance and demonstrating understanding in the kitchen.

• The themed approach keeps him motivated and excited.

• He is trying new foods and learning about different cultures.

• The kitchen has become a positive, empowering space where Rob can make clear choices.

  
  

Importantly, the Team have learned that Rob can be safe in his kitchen, understands guidance and genuinely enjoys cooking alongside the Team. This reinforces both his independence and confidence.

What's next?

Since the refurbishment has been completed, Rob has been delighted to get back to doing what he loves most; cooking and baking. After asking for cake, Grace and Vicki supported him to make strawberry cheesecake, and Rob excitedly took part in every stage of the process. He measured ingredients, mixed the mixture and carefully helped spoon it into cases to make mini cheesecakes before placing them in the freezer to set. Rob was fully engaged throughout and clearly thrilled to be back in his kitchen. It’s clear that being in the kitchen, cooking and baking together, is something Rob genuinely loves.

Family Time!

Rob's kitchen success has continued with a visit from Rob's mum. Rob wanted to bake blueberry muffins so everyone got stuck in.

Rob and his mum got to have some quality time together while baking with support from the team, and enjoyed eating them together afterwards.

Building on this success, the Team are considering:

• Creating a visual recipe board with step-by-step photos to further increase independence.

• Expanding the “country party” theme to include music, simple decorations or inviting family to share the experience.

• Introducing simple meal-planning so Rob can choose future menus in advance.

• Exploring healthy adaptations of his favourite foods to support wellbeing goals.

  
  

Rob’s newly refurbished kitchen has become a space for choice, learning, confidence and celebration. With the Team continuing to listen closely to his wishes and support him in ways that work for him, it’s exciting to think what culinary adventure might come next!