Local Heroes

Breaking Bread | Highfield Academy

Breaking Bread is a purpose-led community storytelling programme developed by Local Heroes to help schools build stronger relationships with pupils, families and their wider communities.

The pilot was commissioned by Sunderland College through social cohesion grant funding, recognising the role schools can play as trusted spaces for connection, confidence and belonging. Delivered with Highfield Academy in Pallion, Sunderland, it brought pupils, parents, carers, staff and local people together through shared food experiences, recipes, memories and creative participation. The project created accessible spaces for people to cook, talk, share stories and build confidence.

Through the pilot, food became a catalyst for trust, belonging and connection. Families who may not otherwise have come together were able to take part in a welcoming, non-judgemental way, with their stories captured through film, photography, illustration and a community zine.

As the Head Teacher of Highfield Academy said: “The team have been a breath of fresh air. Food has brought history, culture and reflection into our conversations with families, and a deeper sense of belonging.”

Building on the success of the pilot, Local Heroes is now looking to expand Breaking Bread with more schools and communities across the North East, working with partners who share its commitment to family engagement, social cohesion, wellbeing and place-based storytelling.