The idea

Jamie Oliver had long been thinking about helping disadvantaged young people by offering them a leg-up into the world of catering. 'Having not been the brightest banana in the bunch myself, I realised that my biggest weapon in life was the determination, enthusiasm, hands-on and "actions speak louder than words" approach my father taught me, and I wanted to get this across to others, especially those interested in food.'

Jamie's ideas got whittled down to one main one: 'to train a team of unemployed kids with an interest and passion for food and to open a new first-class restaurant in London to be run by them.'

And so, the charity Cheeky Chops was born.
 

The charity

Cheeky Chops aims to provide opportunities for disadvantaged young people to learn about the hospitality and catering industry through training and practical experience. College learning is supplemented by real-world experience in Jamie's restaurant, Fifteen, and all profits from the restaurant will be used to support training for the current and future intakes of students.

It is hoped that these youths will be equipped with employable skills, self-confidence and, of course, a passion for food, so that they may move forward and carve out their own futures.

Jamie himself is totally committed to this project. He is involved with the students' training and is head chef at Fifteen. He will also head up the organisation, helping to ensure that the charity grows and grows so it can offer real help to the largest number of people in need.
 

The future

The restaurant is based in Hackney and the first group of trainees has been drawn from across London and the surrounding area. If the model works, Cheeky Chops expects to be able to duplicate the model across the country, offering more opportunities to more young people in other locations.
 

Would you like to work in Jamie's Kitchen?
Jamie and his team are looking for the new intake of trainees for his restaurant Fifteen.

If you are aged between 16 and 24, not in full time education or employment and live in London, you could be in with a chance.

For an application form, go to the fifteen restaurant website

If you would like to make a donation to help the work of Jamie's charity, you can send a cheque or postal order, made payable to Cheeky Chops, to:

Donations
Cheeky Chops Ltd
15 Westland Place
London N1 7LP.

Or visit the fifteen restaurant website where you can make a donation online.