CHEF Michael Caines MBE and the Lord Mayor of Exeter attended the launch of an inspiring community project at Exeter's YMCA, St David's Hill, Exeter.

Brenda's Kitchen and Exeter YMCA's Job Club aims to refocus local efforts on enabling young homeless people and ex-offenders to learn skills that will empower them to live independently and support them in seeking work.

Brenda Bragg, who lived at Lapford, was a local community worker who tragically died in October 2008 after a long illness.

Together Brenda Bragg's family, friends, colleagues and local companies have raised funds and carried out the works to completely revamp the dilapidated Vine Room at Exeter's YMCA.

The facility includes a new kitchen (Brenda's Kitchen) and meeting place that will be used to continue Brenda's good work in aiding Exeter's young disadvantaged people to become independent.

Brenda's Kitchen is a tribute to someone dedicated to seeing disadvantaged people overcome their painful history, learn new skills, learn to cope with the pressures of life, and move on to a bright and positive future.

Peter Stephenson, Brenda's colleague and Exeter YMCA chief executive officer, said: "Brenda was a dear friend and colleague who had a real heart for young people.

"Whoever they were, and whatever their background, they all knew that Brenda cared deeply for them and would do all in her power to help them move forward in life.

"She also was completely non-judgmental, seeing the value in every individual regardless of their appearance or behaviour, and the young people reflected this back to her with their trust and respect".

Brenda's grown up children were behind the fundraising and installation of the project.

One of the many planned uses for Brenda's Kitchen is cookery classes.

Chef Michael Caines MBE started off this process at the launch with quick and easy cooking demonstrations for residents of the YMCA and the launch guests.

Another of the many important uses for this newly revamped facility is Exeter YMCA's Job Club, which aims to help ex-prisoners and homeless people (including those in supported accommodation) to access and sustain employment, training and education, as well as provide assistance and signposting to help with related issues such as benefits and budgeting.

Job Club also aims to work with local businesses encouraging and helping them to open doors for employment to Job Club members, making the project a two-way process.

Peter Stephenson added, "I am deeply grateful to Brenda's family and friends who not only shared Brenda with us at the YMCA during her life, but also continued that sharing after her untimely death to leave us with this fantastic new facility that is a fitting tribute to such a very special person. This project also clearly caught the imagination of local businesses, who helped ensure that Brenda's Kitchen became a reality."

The project would like to thank the many volunteers, fund raisers and local businesses such as Crediton Tool Hire, Howden's Joinery, Agile Space, Brajeff Flooring, MAK Distributors and Fresha, who gave their support to enable this project to happen.