Award-winning chef cooks up a storm for Mental Health Awareness Week

Future Faces recently held a different type of social networking event in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The event was hosted by Will Crawford, founder of mental health and wellbeing company quietnote and head of the wellbeing working group for the Future Faces committee, and was held at Liquid PR. The event saw award-winning chef Nitisha Patel give a live cooking and nutrition demonstration to the attendees.

Nitisha cooked up a delicious coconut dahl while talking to the young professionals about how eating home-cooked food can save money, improve mental health and help you to focus more at work.

In addition to her cookery books, Nitisha has various other achievements under her belt. In 2017, Nitisha was recognised as the Black Country’s ‘Master of Food’ and was awarded as the ‘Rising Star’ at the Midlands food, drink & hospitality awards. Having won awards for her career as a chef, Nitisha now closely works with regional organisations and events to participate in and judge food and hospitality awards.

Nitisha said: “It was heart-warming to see everyone enjoy the flavours and embrace the simplicity of healthy cooking.

“For over a decade, I've been dedicated to bringing innovation to the culinary world, from creating tantalizing dishes, to collaborating with global brands on product development. But last night was extra special as I got to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and shed light on the vital link between good nutrition and mental well-being.

“In addition to sharing tips on how cooking can be ‘less daunting’, I emphasized the importance of mindful eating and meal prep, empowering others to nourish their bodies without breaking the bank or resorting to processed foods.

“Beyond the kitchen, I'm committed to making a tangible difference by developing nutritious ready-made meals for supermarkets, striving to make healthy eating accessible to all.

Future Faces member Eleanor Cleveley attended the event, and she said: “As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, I was thrilled to trade my keyboard for a kitchen and connect with like-minded young professionals at the Future Faces Cooking Masterclass with Nitisha Patel.

“Watching Nitisha cook a delicious dhal was not only a treat for the tastebuds, but also provided a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the powerful connection between food and mental/physical wellbeing.”

The event also saw the launch of the Future Faces prize draw to raise funds for their chosen charity, Birmingham Mind.

Thanks to a generous donation from Harriette Luscombe at Coaches for Change, one lucky winner will be the recipient of a package of three professional development online coaching sessions to help make positive changes at work.

You can enter the prize draw HERE.

Pictured (L-R): Sophie Poduval-Morrell (manager of Future Faces), Nitisha Patel and Will Crawford. Photo credit: Mr Ladd Media