A North East charity has staged a special restaurant takeover to give people with swallowing difficulties the chance to enjoy a meal out with family and friends.
The Percy Hedley Foundation organised the event at Baltic Kitchen in Gateshead to raise awareness of dysphagia and offer affected diners a safe, enjoyable meal.
Dysphagia affects between 4 million and 5.2 million people in the UK and can be caused by neurological or gastrointestinal conditions, strokes, learning difficulties or ageing.
Jennie Morgan, dysphagia lead at The Percy Hedley Foundation, said: "People with swallowing difficulties can often feel frozen out of social occasions and everyday dining out.
Left, Jennie Morgan and Peter Allan (Image: Supplied)
"But small changes, such as being open to adapting the texture of a dish and making it clear that your venue is dysphagia-friendly, can ensure they feel welcome and included.
"With one in eight adults suffering from dysphagia, there is a significant opportunity for the hospitality industry to step up and make their venues more accessible for people with swallowing difficulties, in a similar way to how they have adapted in regard to diners who have allergies."
The event was organised with Wiltshire Farm Foods, which provides texture-modified meals.
The dishes were prepared to diners’ requirements under the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative, which classifies food and drink textures from level 0 to level 7.
Diners could choose regular level 7 meals or modified textures: level 4 puréed, level 5 minced, and level 6 soft and bite-sized.
The foundation hopes the event will persuade more restaurants to offer inclusive options for people with dysphagia.
David Lawrence, development chef at Wiltshire Farm Foods, said: "At Wiltshire Farm Foods, we're passionate about supporting people living with swallowing difficulties.
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"We believe everyone should be able to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals with confidence, dignity and enjoyment, which is why all of our Softer Foods meals have been carefully developed for people with swallowing difficulties or who require softer and easier to chew foods."
The Percy Hedley Foundation supports 550 pupils, students, members and residents with disabilities each week through its schools, college, adult day service and homes.
Founded in 1953, the charity helps people with disabilities achieve their goals, live more independently and support their families.