ChangeKitchen CIC

Gen22 | Cooking Up Change

Cooking Up Change | our Gen22 Food and Social Action Project

Want to make a difference, whilst gaining experience in kitchen work, community support, teamwork and communication? 

We’re calling on 18-21 year-olds who are struggling to find employment, to get involved at ChangeKitchen CIC – an award-winning social enterprise and Kindness Cafe in Balsall Heath, which has been providing delicious, climate-friendly food since 2010. 

If you’re interested in volunteering as part of this project, please register your interest here!

  • SIGN UP HERE before Tuesday 24th March 2026 | BIRMINGHAM POSTCODE ESSENTIAL
The purpose of the project has been to offer young people critical skills in kitchen work, teamwork and communication essential for boosting future employment prospects.
 
Here’s what our Community Engagement Officer, James has to say, “It’s been wonderful seeing the energy and enthusiasm each volunteer has brought to the kitchen. We’re still recruiting any interested volunteers, so come and get involved!”

If you’re interested in volunteering as part of this project, please register your interest here!

Our thanks to United by 2022 for kindly funding this Gen22 project.

How it works: 

THIRTY HOURS | We’ll plan your work on your time and your schedule, provided you can work for thirty hours between your first shift, and March 31st 2026. 

YOUR WORK | Fancy being a pro baker? Or prefer canapes? As much as possible, we can tailor your time at ChangeKitchen CIC to your interests!

SUPPORT | You’ll be supported every step of the way, with formal check-ins to ensure you’re happy, comfortable as you make progress at work. 

CONNECTION | It doesn’t matter if you don’t fancy being a chef in the future. Working at ChangeKitchen CIC is an opportunity to make meaningful connections with others, contribute to the local community, and build skills in teamwork and communication helpful for future employment, and essential for life. 

Get involved today | We need your talent to cook up change!

Contact James for a friendly chat and arrange to pop into our ChangeKitchen CIC Kindness Cafe to find out more.

Here’s what a couple of our fabulous ‘Cooking Up Change’ volunteers have had to say so far…
“The people are nice to be around… they treat everyone like a family here.”  “I can make so many things, it’s making me better at cooking.”
Favour (one of our brilliant volunteers) and James (our Community Engagement Officer) attending the Balsall Heath Second Saturday event at The Old Printworks; offering people tasters of our delicious cakes, shouting about our "Cooking Up Change" project, and signposting our Community Fridge!"

Here’s a few of our volunteers showing off the spoils of a mini bake-off!

Chocolate Banana Bread versus Blueberry Cheesecake – you decide!