The Victory Programme

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The Victory Programme: Cooking up confidence and community connection

Sarah's story

Sarah, 36, first connected with The Salvation Army through volunteering at the Keighley charity shop. When she heard about the Victory Programme, she decided to give it a try.

Three women attending a cooking class, looking happy and like they are enjoying the experience.

I don’t talk to people where I live…I’m quite isolated, so coming on the programme has helped me make friends. I’ve met a girl called Emma, who is amazing. We laugh every week.

- Sarah, Victory Programme Participant

Before joining the programme, Sarah had never been taught how to cook and was feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living. She wanted to make her money stretch further, but didn’t feel confident about where to start.

“Rachel showed us what you can do with £35 a month,” Sarah says. “We’ve made chicken stir fry, sausage casserole, lasagne and a Chinese chicken curry. As a takeaway it would cost £15 to £20, whereas we’re making it for around a fiver. You realise you can do it — and that it’s easier than you think.”

After completing the six‑week course, Sarah didn’t just leave with new recipes. She returned to support others taking part and now volunteers four days a week in both the charity shop and café.

“It’s given me confidence and social skills that I think were lost during the Covid pandemic,” she says. “The café is a calm, peaceful place. We laugh all the time and meet so many different people.”

Why the Victory Programme exists

Stories like Sarah’s are why the Victory Programme was created.

Across the UK, many people are facing rising food costs, isolation and a lack of confidence around cooking. The Victory Programme began as a practical response — bringing people together in a supportive, welcoming environment to learn skills, build relationships and grow confidence.

What is the Victory Programme?

The Victory Programme is a six‑week course that helps people:

Learn how to cook affordable, nutritious meals
Make the most of ingredients and household budgets
Build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging

It’s about more than food. It’s about dignity, community and believing in what’s possible when people are given the right support.

Join the Journey

Whether you're looking to learn new skills, meet others, or simply cook smarter on a budget, the Victory Programme is here to help. It’s more than a course, it’s a community.

Find your nearest Salvation Army on our map page.

For more information about the Victory Programme in other parts of the UK, contact our Community Services Department by email at: communityservices@salvationarmy.org.uk

Of course, we couldn’t do what we do without support from people like yourself. If you are in a position to give, your support could make a real difference.