A SOUTHAMPTON chef who has cooked for celebrities up and down the country is offering free cooking lessons to people who have suffered bereavement.

Jay Geddes hopes to help people who have rarely, if ever, cooked meals. He wants to help them become more confident in the kitchen.

The 39-year-old was inspired to help grieving people after his friend's nan sadly died.

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He said: "Recently a friend's nan passed away and his grandad was left to sort of fend for himself. 

"It was his wife who did all of the cooking, I guess that's how it was back in the day. 

"He didn't even know how to use a knife, let alone make a soup or even a basic stirfry. 

"And it just got me thinking, there must be so many people that are in that sort of situation.

"What do you do next? Do you just go to the shop and buy some cheap microwave meals? 

"If you've never cooked, you probably won't even know where to begin.

"It just made me think if there was anything I can do to help, why not offer some free cooking lessons?

"I'm looking at this as if we are starting from scratch."

Recipes include soups, stir fries, pasta, and different types of sauces. 

Jay said he will teach people basic knife skills as well as a range of simple meals they can make themselves at home. 

He hopes that this will encourage people to eat healthier and also combat loneliness among grieving people. 

The lessons will start in July and will run for an estimated six weeks at Rita's bar on Oxford Street. 

However, Jay said that if the classes prove popular, he might extend the lessons until November.

Each class will have six students and will run for about two hours.

This will give people a chance to meet, discuss their situation, and then learn how to make a simple meal. 

The students will also leave classes with a recipe card that they can follow at home. 

Details about the lessons will be posted at jaygeddes.com