On a recent visit to Together As One, a youth-centred charity in Slough, Prince William pitched in to help in the kitchen.
Donning a blue apron, the Prince of Wales, remarked: “Oh, it smells good in here! It’s making my stomach rumble.”
Working alongside the teachers and students to prepare chicken teriyaki, he learned about their Global Grub cooking programme. Participants learn how to cook nutritious meal within a budget and while dealing with the rising cost of food.
Prince William praised his wife as the cook in the family. He added he does cook a “mean steak” but his sauces need work as they “come out dry or lumpy.”
In addition to whipping up a meal, the Prince of Wales also spoke with young people who take care of family members and the support they receive from Together As One.
Together As One began 25 years ago in response to gang violence breaking out in Slough between Asian groups. They wanted to give youth the tools to ease community tension and create positive social change in their community.
Young volunteers shared with Prince William the community projects they have created. They have provided clothing and meals to the homeless, taught peaceful conflict resolution to those their age and worked to stop violence against women and girls.
His Royal Highness sat down with staff members, many who were former volunteers who went through the program. They are passing on their knowledge to challenge prejudice and how to be a positive contribution to society.
Speaking after the visit, Together As One CEO Rob Deeks said: “I’m absolutely overjoyed with it. I think the thing that really makes it stand out and the thing that makes it really special is we were lucky enough to be able to make sure that some of the young people that we work with are here today and he spoke to every single one of them.
“He listened to absolutely all of them, talked about their concerns, listened to the way that they volunteer to make their community a better place. I can’t thank him enough because he made every single person in this place feel valued.”
Together As One does training in schools and youth centres. As Slough has changed, so has the skills Together As One teaches. They do projects emphasising mental health and strengthening community relationships. They also work to prevent crime, bullying and racism between the diverse cultures.
