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In books of old, ‘the well’ is often at the heart of things. It was literally and symbolically the centre of the community, representing everything that the people needed to endure and thrive. The people gathered, they got what they needed, they went out refreshed.
‘The Well’ is our holistic and practical response to covid-19. We’re using all our resources to serve our community on and around campus in these tough times.
Do you need support from The Well?
We can provide emergency help with food, and offer holistic wellbeing support too. Help is available, don’t wait for a crisis – if you know that you are struggling with food and finances, refer yourself today.
Who do we accept referrals from?
We accept referrals of students and staff from any of the Manchester Universities, or any Hulme resident (M15). You can refer yourself, or refer someone else if you know someone in need of support.
What does The Well offer?
We provide a weekly Well Pack with 7 meal-kits for every night of the week, or ready-made, cooked and frozen meals for those who aren’t able to cook for themselves. There will also be enough groceries to help with lunches, breakfasts and some snacks and treats too. You’ll find recipes and links to step-by-step cookery classes too, along with a diverse programme of nurturing and sustaining good stuff to help you through these tough times.
Match up the recipe numbers to the cookery-classes and follow along as our team cooks each meal with you. Each dish is quick but tasty, using a few simple and affordable ingredients to create a heart-and-soul-warming dinner for one.
You can find our cooking class videos here.
We provide three different Well Packs, allowing us to respond to the unique needs to each person who refers to The Well:
Well Pack A offers seven dinner-kits a week, with fresh and dry ingredients, recipe cards and online cookery step-by-step classes for each meal – everything made easy so that eating well becomes a simple pleasure.
Well Pack B provides seven pre-cooked, chilled and ready-to-heat meals for those within our community who aren’t able to cook for whatever reason. Prepared and cooked in Milk & Honey, then packaged-up and delivered with love.
Well Pack C is aimed more towards TLC for the soul. If food needs are not at the top of the agenda, we’ll provide inner-glow bakes, cakes and sweet treats, link you in with our nurturing Wholeness programme, and we’re always up for a socially-distanced chat for a bit of human contact too!
Our cookery classes with The Well team are available whether you receive a Well Pack or just fancy following a super-simple, tasty and affordable meal. Cooked in Milk & Honey café, join the team as we cook a variety of plant-based and wallet-friendly easy and delicious
dinners.
#allwillbewell
Chef Ben teaches you how to cook Ribolitta in the Milk & Honey café. Follow along and cook up an easy meal full of vegetable goodness.
Join Hannah in the Milk & Honey Café as she cooks Italian Kale & Chickpea Pasta, a really simple yet delicious meal, with plenty left-over for your lunch tomorrow.
An East Asian spice blend is used in this lovely and light dinner option. We’ve used egg noodles here but you could also use rice noodles or soba noodles too.
Watch as Ben guides us through another wonderful recipe, this time for a Potato & Chickpea curry. Quick and easy to make!
Vegetables, Vegetables and more Vegetables. This versatile soup is packed with delicious vegetables which can easily be swapped for alternatives and still carry the same delicious flavor and taste.
This lovely mix of herbs, courgettes, pasta and chickpeas has a cheeky twist of lemon which really brings out a tang!
Hannah teaches how to cook Chinese Spiced Squash from scratch. You’ll need your oven at 180 degrees, a hot plate to cook on, your recipe card and ingredients. And that’s it… good to go. (ps. watch out for sneak appearance from Bobby the office dog…)
So simple and so scrumptious! Courgettes are softened with herbs and garlic before being stewed with chopped tomatoes.
This is the first dahl we have created for The Well and it won’t be the last. Indian spices, lentils and carrots are the star of this kitchen cupboard staple.
Who doesn’t love a chickpea! We certainly do! This “soupy-stewy thing” really does warm yer’ cockles and the tender chickpeas help to give it an amazingly creamy texture.
Now, there is a simple spud with baked beans or there is this sassy spud with smoky baked beans. Using a few fresh ingredients and special spices you too can make this simple dish stand-out!
A Milk & Honey Café classic, this is one of our most popular dishes on the ever-changing café special board – we look forward to serving it again soon – but until then have a go yourself!
We really hope you enjoy chowing down on this chowder! A lovely creamy, sweet & delicious soup – Souper-douper when enjoyed with granary bread & butter
Butternut squash is easily one of the most versatile vegetables around and this dish really showcases its ability to absorb spices in the sweetest & spiciest way!
Make this Milk & Honey Classic at home! Here we have used tinned mushrooms instead of fresh to make this lighter on the purse but still super healthy for the heart!
Tangy tomatoes and peppers with a hit of smoked paprika. Watch Chris put together one of our quickest & tastiest recipes ever.
A sweet-spice delight reminiscent of a North African tagine. Our aromatic spide blend really brings this together, but if you don't have this to hand you could use Indian garam masala or Moroccan ras el hanout.
Mushy peas! In a soup! You ight think we've gone mad but oh no! This big fill could do you a couple of big lunches and the green veggies really sing with a zing of lemony goodness!
Showcasing the wonkiest of potatoes this warm salads is wholesome and flavourful. Get your peeler & chopper at the ready this is gonna taste great!
Caponata is a classic Sicilian dish - this is not that! But it has been inspired by it. Diced courgettes in a tangy sauce, this would also be perfect topped with olives if you have any at hand.
Our second dahl at The Well - this recipe is incredibly versatile and this version is totally scrumptious served with naan breads & riata for a proper fill, or simple with some granary bread like we've used!
These sweetly spiced braised vegetables would be great as part of a roast dinner. We've served it with rice & spiced chickpeas to make things a little more exotic.
Our smoky Creole spice blend is at the heart of this big flavour soup that turns humble tins into something delicious, notorious and a heart-warming fill.
This dish has all the elements of a North African Tagine, except the fancy pot to cook it in! A beautiful blend of spices, sweet fruits, vegetables and tomatoes – this is a really versatile dish so feel free to experiment with the vegetables!
A selection of root vegetables get some time in the oven followed by a mixture of sugar, spice and herbs. This is an excellent side dish to go with a show stopping main.
We developed this recipe as a main course for Christmas dinner but it would be great for any roast dinner just add roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, vegetables and gravy – it’s a winner every time!
This butternut squash will be roasted, stuffed and roasted again to make a delicious main course for up to 4 people, just bring a few more veggies along for the journey.
Some people think sprouts (unlike puppies) are just for Christmas, personally I think this logic is terrible. Sprouts have such a deep flavour they can hold up very well in spiced dishes like this hash – if you don’t like sprouts this recipe also works great with any leafy green, especially savoy cabbage.
By shredding mushrooms into small pieces you get a texture similar to that of mince, this curry is usually made with lamb but a deep mushroom flavour is a great replacement. We’ve used tinned peas and mushrooms here too making this a fantastic store cupboard recipe.
A spicy soup to warm the soul on a winters evening. Making the most of seasonal root vegetables and tinned fruit this dish will be great affordable recipe for you to bring out every winter. Great with a dollop of yoghurt or crumbled feta cheese and walnuts – yum!
The most important part of this dish is creating a good base of diced vegetables; carrots, onions and celery; Italian chefs call this vegetable medley ‘soffritto’ and it is used in many dishes such as Bolognese and Minestrone. Get your parmesan at the ready, you’ll love this one!
25th January celebrates the Birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns & Scottish culture. On Burns Night suppers of haggis, neeps and tatties are served all over the world. Find the poem Address to a Haggis and recite it whilst enjoy this comforting soup. Topping soup with vegetarian haggis is highly recommended.
Chef Ben’s Brilliant Baked Beans are always a winner at Milk & Honey Café, in this video you can watch as he spills the beans and shows you how to make these lovely little legumes for yourself. Grab a baked potato or some toast and you’re onto a winner!
This curried tomato stew has got a full vegetable flavour from a mixture of root vegetables. Feel free to experiment with this one and try with as many different varieties of roots as you like. Such a versatile dish we’re sure you’ll make this one over and over again.
Chef Ben declares ‘us Northerners love gravy!’ This is so true and this mushroom stew really deserves it’s time to shine in your kitchen. Celeriac gives a lovely smoky and rounded flavour to this dish, serve alongside potatoes or crusty bread.
This curry is very similar to jalfrezi which uses green peppers and chillies as a base, don’t worry if you don’t like it spicy - this recipes uses aromatic spices for flavour. Therefore, you can add as little or as much chilli as you like!
On the wall in Milk & Honey, we have a mural, drawn by a friend of ours when we opened three years ago. “We believe in the abundant good in our fine city of Manchester”, it begins…. Lockdown has shown us just how fragile much of life is – including our food supply. At Milk & Honey we work with local suppliers, and also with growers to use up surplus harvests to minimise food waste.
The Well Project has been able to take things further, drawing on the desire of so many to work together to tackle the problems caused by COVID-19. We’re working with smaller partners organisations who share our vision – some are donating freshly baked loaves each week, whilst others who work across the country to redistribute surplus food from the food industry. From Foodbanks to farmers, urban growers to local family wholesalers… we’re grateful for all the support. You’re helping us make The Well happen.
Get in touch for more information or to work with us:
The Wholeness Programme at St Peter’s House is based in our beautiful, onsite Wholeness Studio. Working with friends and trusted colleagues, we deliver a programme that is unique and nurturing, focussed on restoring and honouring wholeness in the full human experience.
Whilst our Studio is closed, our programme is fully digital and available to all our online visitors! We invite you to explore this free resource of Studio Sessions, podcasts, classes, blogs and meditations, and hope that you will find your time with us gentle, inspiring and restorative.
When lockdown happened, life went digital – including our Wholeness Programme. During this time we have recorded and curated an online library of Studio Sessions – all freely available to all our online visitors, and offered as an integral part of The Well.
Our diverse sessions are unique and nurturing, focussed on restoring and honouring wholeness in the full human experience. The full range of our Wholeness Studio Sessions are accessible to all, and encompass embodied practices (such as yoga and pilates), meditations, explorations of faith, arts-based responses to the unique situation and more.
We look forward to the day we can deliver our classes and session face-to-face in the Wholeness Studio again, but in the meantime offer our online library of content alongside our Live programme.
Suitable for all. Enjoy, my friend.
Pretty much beginner, may as well have a go if you’re fit and well
A bit of a step on, but you may surprise yourself. Sit out anything you’re not sure
about.
Do this if you know your way around a yoga mat.
You know you’ve got this.
Step away from your computer, and put down your phone… This class will teach you skills that you can break down and use in smaller sections throughout your day, or enjoy in this longer sequence designed to help your muscles and mind unwind from the stresses of desk- based life. Your twenty-first century body, all scrunched up and stiff, will thank you for it. (42 mins) Level 2
Covid has caused a cuddle-catastrophe. Everyone needs hugs to release oxytocin – the famous ‘cuddle hormone’ that helps us feel good and keeps our bodies happy. With self- isolation and social distancing – where is the love?! This session teaches self-massage to soothe our lonely souls and simple yoga practice to bring a sense of peace. (42 mins) Level 2
All balled up with grudges, niggles and gripes? Or maybe you’re carrying a really deep anger - at a person, at the world, or at how things are turning out this year. Either way, we carry it in our bodies, and it’s not good. This session incorporates meditation and simple yoga moves to allow us to begin to explore and release some of these strong emotions. (52 Mins) Level 2
Having trouble winding down? This session is designed to help you switch off and ease into a good night’s sleep. Using gentle movement and with focus on the breath, the session uses accessible and simple yoga practices to gently move our wired up bodies into a deep place of relaxation. Sound good to anyone? (50 mins) Level 2
There are 42 individual muscles in the face. I wonder how many of them you are tensing up even whilst reading this on a screen? These short sessions will relax, mobilise and increase blood flow round your face and neck area. Do it at your desk, on your sofa… but maybe not on the bus (silly faces are involved.) (15 mins) Level 1
There are 42 individual muscles in the face. I wonder how many of them you are tensing up even whilst reading this on a screen? These short sessions will relax, mobilise and increase blood flow round your face and neck area. Do it at your desk, on your sofa… but maybe not on the bus (silly faces are involved.) (15 mins) Level 1
In this practice, Amy focuses on the breath to explore a range of sensations within the body. Gentle and accessible, this session will help you switch off from distractions as you become fully present - taking time to notice what’s going on with you right now. (20 mins)
You’ll relate to this story, and the need to learn to accept things as they are. (7 minutes)
This story asks what risks you have been afraid to take so far? (20 mins)
What kind of counter-culture could we create if we treated each other with respect, honour and wonder? (10 mins)
Azariah draws on Cherokee tribal wisdom to point to the battle waging in all of us. (3 mins)
Azariah shares what makes him not fit the template, and why the world needs people who see the world in unique ways right now. (4 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (30 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (35 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (30 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (50 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (30 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (20 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (22 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (22 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (30 mins)
Over these meditations, Selena explores the Chinese concept of Wuxing – a flow in which the five elements of nature work to generate and overcome each other. Recorded in both English and Mandarin, the meditations draw on both ancient Chinese and symbolism from other faiths to explore how this concept works for our well-being. (23 mins)
This practice is as old as time can remember, a practice that utilizes waveforms and frequencies similar to those of our own physiology. Craig Winterburn is an IPHM Approved Holistic Therapist and in this video, he provides meditation and reflection to help align the mind for the full gong bath therapy session. (6 mins)
Using an ancient meditation created by St. Ignatius, Ben leads us through an exercise in imagining ourselves into another story. Using Christian scripture, Ben Invites us to allow our minds to wander. Who will you encounter, and what words will you hear on your journey? (11 mins)
"I'm not an expert", begins Ben...and loads of us aren't, but meditation can be a brilliant tool to add to your 'wellbeing tool-kit' at times of stress, anxiety or pretty much anytime. Ben talks us through the basics and starts from the beginning, before guiding us through a short meditation - perfect for newcomers to this peaceful practice. (18 mins).
Pilates is all about strength, balance and alignment, and have we ever been in more need of being strong, well-balanced and getting things a little more lined up?! This session gives you the chance to do something for yourself – Stand taller! Better equipped to face the challenges head-on – whilst taking time for yourself in these energising classes. (45 mins)
Pilates is all about strength, balance and alignment, and have we ever been in more need of being strong, well-balanced and getting things a little more lined up?! This session gives you the chance to do something for yourself – Stand taller! Better equipped to face the challenges head-on – whilst taking time for yourself in these energising classes. (38 mins)
Pilates is all about strength, balance and alignment, and have we ever been in more need of being strong, well-balanced and getting things a little more lined up?! This session gives you the chance to do something for yourself – Stand taller! Better equipped to face the challenges head-on – whilst taking time for yourself in these energising classes. (34 mins)
Pilates is all about strength, balance and alignment, and have we ever been in more need of being strong, well-balanced and getting things a little more lined up?! This session gives you the chance to do something for yourself – Stand taller! Better equipped to face the challenges head-on – whilst taking time for yourself in these energising classes. (37 mins)
Hatha Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that looks to strengthen, balance and harmonize the energies of the mind and body. Join Esmeralda in her class focused on delivering one of the more deeper, spiritual practices of yoga. (46 mins)
Hatha Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that looks to strengthen, balance and harmonize the energies of the mind and body. Join Esmeralda in her class focused on delivering one of the more deeper, spiritual practices of yoga. (45 mins)
Hatha Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that looks to strengthen, balance and harmonize the energies of the mind and body. Join Esmeralda in her class focused on delivering one of the more deeper, spiritual practices of yoga. (42 mins)
Hatha Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that looks to strengthen, balance and harmonize the energies of the mind and body. Join Esmeralda in her class focused on delivering one of the more deeper, spiritual practices of yoga. (46 mins)
"Intentional exposure to a sound bath brings an enhanced awareness of senses which can be applied to everyday life challenges and pleasures." As part of our wholeness studio, we invited Craig Winterburn to offer two gong bath workshops. Craig is an IPHM Approved Holistic Therapist in Manchester and these classes send you on a journey to help your mind, body and soul, relax and rejuvenate. (38 mins)
"Intentional exposure to a sound bath brings an enhanced awareness of senses which can be applied to everyday life challenges and pleasures." As part of our wholeness studio, we invited Craig Winterburn to offer two gong bath workshops. Craig is an IPHM Approved Holistic Therapist in Manchester and these classes send you on a journey to help your mind, body and soul, relax and rejuvenate. (32 mins)
(4 mins) Leading up to Christmas, we wanted to release something special. We decided to produce a spoken word around the tales of perseverance, reflection and hopefulness. A time in need of a better story.
(4 Mins) All Will Be Well. We displayed the words of Julian of Norwich on the side of St Peter's House as reminder to all that indeed, all will be well. This video features Hannah's spoken word to mark the beginning of the academic year and the start of St Peter's House COVID-19 response project, The Well.
Switch off from your screen and listen along to our short wonderings…
#ALLWILLBEWELL
Access our Live programme by registering for and joining below.
#ALLWILLBEWELL
Event Running Order:
7pm: Introduction and short ’settling/grounding’ practice, led by Hannah.
Conversation around feelings and experiences of the past few weeks.
Reflection, using pencils and paper and guided by Selena. We will light an on-screen candle during this time in memory of Sarah Everard, and thinking of her family and friends at this time.
Mindfulness Meditation, led by Hannah, and followed by shared reflection time.
8pm: Close.
*Please bring your own pencils and paper to join in the reflection time*
Hannah Skinner is one of our Directors and leaders of the chaplaincy team here at St Peters House, and is experienced in leading people and groups through ‘hard conversations’ dealing with painful emotions and tough feelings. Selena Tai leads the Mandarin Community, drawing this International group into a safe and welcoming space, and is experienced in leading reflections and mediations using art and multi-cultural themes.
This event is designed for anyone who identifies as a woman to gather to share feelings and experiences – therefore, in this instance those identifying as male are not invited to attend. We may run a second event which is more focused on conversations between those identifying and men, women or non-binary – but this is not that event.
Feeling all stirred up? A million feelings swirling in your heart, head and tummy since the horrific murder of Sarah Everard and subsequent conversations around women’s safety and lived experience? We get it… Particularly in our ‘locked-down’ lives it can be hard to process, reflect and express all these hard feelings. Many people may have found conversations in the public realm this week hard, as they may have been triggering of past experiences or memories. Even if you have not been directly triggered, the tone and content of the week’s reporting has been heavy and upsetting.
We would like to invite you to an event on Tuesday 30th March, 7-8pm to gently explore feelings which may have arisen around these topics.
’Safe Spaces: Women’s Voices’ is a chance to gently be with your own emotions over the last few weeks. This is not a protest or activist event (though there are many other such vital events you may wish to join), and it is not a space where we can offer counselling or focused emotional support. Instead, using reflective practices and short periods of mindfulness meditation we will allow ourselves time to be with our feelings as they are. There’ll also be times to talk and share together.
Pilates is all about strength, balance and alignment, and – seriously – have we ever been in more need of being strong, well-balanced and getting things a little more lined up?! This session gives you the chance to do something for yourself – Stand taller! Stronger! Better equipped to face the challenges head-on – whilst connecting with your fellow human in an interactive, community class led by Rachel from our studio.
Monday at 1 PM
(1 Hour)
Start the day with gratitude and purpose without leaving your room. A 40 minute Hatha yoga session to set you ready for anything, followed by 20 minutes to connect and chat with your yogi class-mates – wherever they may be. Pop the kettle on, pour some cereal and prepare to mull over a different question together each week. Do it all in your pyjamas… this is the ’new normal’ after all…
Tuesday at 8:30 AM
(1 Hour)
Celebrating all things in Mandarin! This fun festive evening is the best to help you get away from the “isolation” with interesting topics and friendships to share! Join Mandarin Community with this one-hour social gathering to explore your online social life further.
Following our Facebook page to find out new topic for each session: https://www.facebook.
Fortnightly Tuesday at 7 PM, 9/23rd Feb, 9/23rd March
(1 Hour)
Wednesday at 1 PM
(45 Mins)
Interested in faith? Longing to get closer to the truth or engaging in the most intriguing debate for humankind at all times? Welcome to join Selena at Breakfast Bible Study every Thursday morning for a half-an-hour refreshing and recharging of your mind from the nourishing of the Bible scriptures!
Please feel free to contact Selena if you have any further inquiries: mandarin.community@stpeters.org.uk
Thursdays 9 AM
(30 mins)
New Year, New You!! Come back on track and say goodbye to your Lockdown belly! Join our popular “Pilates in Mandarin” with Selena and our qualified Pilates instructor Iris. This one-hour session with pilates practice and social will refresh and lift up your body and mind.
Fortnightly Thursday at 7 PM, 4/18th Feb, 4/18th March, 1st April
(1 Hour)
Our accredited teacher Amy will guide you through some mindfulness practices, gently leading you to the still places beyond the hustle.
Fridays at 1 PM
(1 Hour)
Love what we’re doing at St Peter’s House? Want to keep connected and find out about what we might do next?
Sign up to our Newsletter and we’ll keep you updated with our plans, thoughts and musings. On top of this we’ll send you our tastiest new recipes from The Well – all freshly devised and waiting to get onto the Milk & Honey café meu when we re-open – and new classes, podcasts and blogs as we create them for our Wholeness programme! We’ll also let you know about any opportunities to volunteer, future Milk & Honey café news, and ways you can support us in our work.
Are you the brilliant person to join our team and help us communicate digitally to the student
community about all that is happening at St Peter’s House? We have many exciting plans to
and we need someone to help us get the message out there!
