We are delighted to share that one of our Trustees, Nicola Swaffield, has made a valuable contribution to the latest publication from the Caroline Walker Trust, Eating Well for People with Learning Disabilities (Second Edition).
The Caroline Walker Trust is a charity dedicated to improving public health through education around good food. Established in 1989 to continue the work of distinguished nutritionist, writer and campaigner, Caroline Walker, the Trust undertakes a wide range of projects funded by grants and donations. A central part of its work is the development of expert reports that established nutritional guidelines for vulnerable groups, including children and older people. Its “Eating Well” guides are widely respected and used across clinical, academic and community settings. The Trust also collaborates with local councils to enhance food resources, as well as creating opportunities for healthy eating initiatives and training.
First published in 2007, Eating Well for People with Learning Disabilities, has long been a valuable resource for caregivers, healthcare professionals, family members, care home managers, caterers and students in dietetics, nutrition, and nursing. The book provides a holistic approach to eating well, including chapters covering areas such as: the principals of good nutrition; nutrition through the lifespan for people with learning disabilities; supporting people with eating difficulties as well as menu planning and special diets, giving readers practical tools to support improved nutritional care for people with learning disabilities.
Nicola Swaffield’s involvement in the second edition reflects both her professional knowledge and her own experience. Holding a degree in diet and health, Nicola supported Carly Atkinson in reviewing all chapters of the new edition. She also contributed as a parent/carer speaker at a webinar held in November 2025, offering valuable insight into the real-world impact of nutritional guidance.
Nicola is acknowledged in the introduction of the book, with thanks from Carly Atkinson for her contribution. Her long-standing interest in this field dates back to her dissertation, which explored the importance of Omega 3 and fish in the diet of people with learning disabilities – research that closely aligned with the Trust’s original publication in 2007.
Reflecting on her involvement, Nicola gives her account of the book:
“Eating Well for People with Learning Disabilities blends evidence-based science with practical advice for families, parent carers, upskill care and support workers to nourish and enhance the daily lives of those they care for in their own homes, specialist communities and other care setting within the local community. The book is inspiring for overall well-being and guidance; translates complex nutritional science into simple actionable daily feeding strategies that any care giver can easily implement. It was an honour to be asked to contribute to the book from a professional and personal perspective.”
The Camphill Foundation UK & Ireland is proud to see its Trustees contributing to work that makes a meaningful difference to people’s health and wellbeing. Nicola’s contribution highlights the value in combining professional expertise with lived experience to create guidance that is both practical and impactful.
The book is available directly from the Caroline Walker Trust and via Amazon and the webinar will also become available on the website in the coming weeks:
Click here to buy the book from The Caroline Walker Trust
Click here to buy the book from Amazon
