Celebrating Learning at Work Week by busting health myths

To mark 25 years of learning, the Southampton District Branch of UNISON joined forces with Solent University to tackle healthy eating myths at a one-day event on Wednesday 16 May.

Part of Learning at Work Week (15-21 May), which puts a spotlight on the importance and benefits of learning and development at work, the event gave both UNISON members and non-members the opportunity to learn about health and nutrition.

Supported by the University’s BSc (Hons) Applied Human Nutrition course, staff had the chance to try healthy recipes, learn about how you can eat well for less, and found out some myth-busting facts about healthy eating and nutrition. The event also looked at what a healthy diet is and how much sugar is hidden in drinks.

Emma Nand, UNISON Learning Rep for The Southampton East District, says: ‘’I enjoyed sharing my skills and love of food with others at the event. Talking to others about tasty recipes that are not difficult to make, and don’t cost the earth was rewarding. It gave people the confidence to try new dishes that are out of their comfort zone because they are achievable and this was great to see. You don’t need a lot of money or time to eat well and still enjoy it and I think that is a very refreshing indeed."

Dr Ali Hill, Registered Nutritionist and Course Leader for Solent University’s Applied Human Nutrition degree, says: “I strongly believe in Learning at Work Week. We know that a quarter of people think the maths they learn at school can’t be used in real life. But actually when it comes to food, maths is massively important. It can help you budget your money or help you increase the portion size of a recipe. A lot of people think that healthy eating isn’t affordable, and that’s one of the myths we busted by working with UNISON in Learning at Work Week.

“Cooking is a brilliant way to bring people together; it’s a really inclusive and non-threatening environment where you learn without thinking about it. Added to which, there aren’t many ways of learning where you can get a healthy cake at the end of it!”