Funding for novel 'Superfoods explained' project in Norfolk
8th December 2008
A partnership of three Norfolk organisations has gained a prestigious People Award from the Wellcome Trust, worth nearly £30,000, to explore the science behind so called ‘superfoods’ with adults with learning difficulties.
The Garden Science Trust and People First of Norfolk will be working with scientists from the Institute of Food Research on a year long project to enable adults with learning difficulties to discuss and learn about the potential health benefits of ‘superfoods’ like broccoli, blueberries, yoghurt and brazil nuts. We intend to discover the scientific basis behind the claims for these foods and to explore the role of these foods in preventing disease in later life.
The project will include a consultation to find out what people already know about superfoods, development of activities to promote discussion and learning about the science of superfoods, and production of a DVD with information and learning materials which can be used in schools, homes and clubs.
‘We are thrilled with this award which will help us open up science to adults with learning difficulties and give them the tools to make informed choices about the food they eat,’ said Sheila Mathias, Director of the Garden Science Trust. ‘We are very pleased to be working with People First of Norfolk and the Institute of Food Research for their expertise in different areas – I am sure we will all learn from each other.’
‘Superfoods explained’ will provide part-time employment for a person with
learning difficulties and a support worker. It will also offer valuable
experience to young scientists from the Institute of Food Research. "It
is important for us at the IFR that we communicate the findings of our
fundamental scientific research to the wider community, and this project
is an excellent opportunity for scientists to think about how to explain
the science they are working on to a different audience," said Dr Paul
Kroon, Research Leader in Plant Natural Products & Health at IFR.
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Contact:
Sheila Mathias (Garden Science Trust)
Tel: 01760 726746
Email: office@gardensciencetrust.co.uk
Notes for Editors
The Garden Science Trust is an educational charity which uses gardening and science to help people with learning difficulties develop skills and potential. We value the role of accessible science learning as a tool to enable people to understand the natural environment and make choices about their role within it. We run garden science courses and taster days and manage a supported volunteer programme.
T: 01760 726746
E: office@gardensciencetrust.co.uk
People First of Norfolk is a self advocacy organisation run by and for people with learning difficulties. We are independent and have offices in Great Yarmouth and Norwich. Self advocacy is about speaking up for ourselves, doing things ourselves, making our own decisions, having confidence, being able to say ‘no’ and having the right to say what we want. Our mission is for all adults with learning difficulties in Norfolk to be confident self advocates, controlling their own lives and making their own decisions, with support from people they trust.
T: 01603 789889
E: admin@pfn.org.uk
Institute of Food Research
The mission of the Institute of Food Research (www.ifr.ac.uk ) is to undertake international quality scientific research relevant to food and human health and to work in partnership with others to provide underpinning science for consumers, policy makers, the food industry and academia. It is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status, grant aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (www.bbsrc.ac.uk ).
Andrew Chapple, Press Office Assistant
T: 01603 251490
E: andrew.chapple@ifr.ac.uk
Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending over £600 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing. http://www.wellcome.ac.uk
The information and images contained within these pages are © Institute of Food Research unless otherwise stated. Information may be downloaded for educational and research purposes as long as the source is clearly credited.
