Gen22 | Cooking Up Change – ChangeKitchen CIC

Cooking Up Change | our Gen22 Food and Social Action Project

EXCITING NEWS! We have now opened Phase 2 volunteer applications (July 2026).

We’re recruiting for Gen22 volunteers in Birmingham aged 16 to 24 years old – reach out today! DETAILS BELOW

Calling all 16-24 year olds in Birmingham to get involved in 30 hours of voluntary work experience at ChangeKitchen CIC!

Get involved in helping us cook up delicious, climate-friendly food for catered events and community meals for those impacted by the cost of living crisis.

The purpose of the project has been to offer young people key skills in kitchen work, teamwork and communication – all essential for boosting future employment prospects.

You will…

Gain employability skills, a work reference from a respected employer and CV support.
‘Cook Up Change’ and make a genuine difference in your community.
Meet new people and make connections in a supportive and inclusive work place.

Here’s what some of our Gen22 project volunteers had to say about being involved in the pilot project in early 2026…

“Yes, it benefitted me in many ways besides cooking, including boosting my self-confidence and learning how to adapt to working as part of a team.”

“Super helpful in setting up community kitchen society at university. Mental health – a safe, calm, supportive and caring environment to come to every week.”

“I’m an introvert and working at ChangeKitchen CIC helped me open up more.”

“It’s instilled the sort of work ethic I think will be useful in the world of employment and it’s allowed me to connect with a helpful cause in a heartening way.”

Here's how our Gen22 project works

YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO…

THIRTY HOURS | We’ll plan your work around your schedule, provided you can work for thirty hours between your first shift, and September 2026.

YOUR WORK | Fancy being a ‘pro’ baker or want to work in hospitality? As much as possible, we will tailor your time to your interests!

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

CONNECTION | Working here is an opportunity to make meaningful connections, contribute to the local community, and build skills in teamwork and communication that are helpful for future employment, and essential for life.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Register your interest through our online form here to book a short meeting at ChangeKitchen CIC with James (our Community Engagement Officer.

This will give you the opportunity for a short tour of our catering kitchen, to meet the team and see if being a Gen22 volunteer is for you!

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REACH OUT | email James here.

DOWNLOAD | Gen 22 Project Poster MASTER July 2026 print final

WATCH | Gen22 YouTube playlist here.

READ | CK Gen22 Pilot Project CASE STUDY July 2026

What can you expect from volunteering?

Take a look at some pictures and videos of our Gen22 volunteers cooking up a storm in kitchen and attending events with us…

WOULD YOU LIKE TO REFER ANOTHER PERSON TO THIS PROJECT?

Whether you’re an organisation or an individual – if you know someone that might be interested or benefit from this project, please email James on together@changekitchen.co.uk.

Simple REGISTRATION FORM here.

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IMAGES SHOWN

Top left: A few of our Gen22 volunteers helped us run a stall at the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens back in May, for the launch of Brum Biosphere.

Bottom left: A couple of Gen22 volunteers ran a stall at The Workplace Event at The NEC helping us meet new people, leaflet potential customers, and Cook Up Change on a bigger scale!