“Everyone relaxed, chatted, laughed, and made something they were proud of. It didn’t matter what level of English people had, we communicated over food.”
The Community Kitchen is a cookery school where everyone can cook, learn new skills, connect with their community, and enjoy food together.
In collaboration with Voices in Exile, Refugee Radio, Hummingbird & other local organisations we have recently hosted groups of local refugees for community cookery sessions. Alongside our regular chef’s Kirna, Jethro & Kanthi, we have enjoyed baking, community cook ups & shared meals around our communal dining table. We love that our kitchen provides a warm and friendly place for participants to cook a healthy nutritious meal and spend time eating together.
“Access to good healthy food is not easy for our attendees. Our group loved the session. Everyone relaxed, chatted, laughed, and made something they were proud of. It didn’t matter what level of English people had, we communicated over food.” – Group Coordinator
These classes provide a mutually beneficial experience for our chefs, volunteers and participants. There is so much knowledge, beautiful stories and delicious food to be shared. We often come away with brand new recipes, and cookery techniques which we then share in other cookery classes. When we sit down to eat together we always enjoy chatting about the food, inspiration behind the dishes, family recipes and stories of home.
“They don’t have a communal space in their accommodation so this was the first time in weeks they were able to sit down and eat all together while chatting. ‘It felt normal’ they kept repeating.” – Group Coordinator
These sessions are a wonderful way for participants to access a cookery space, meet new people, practise their English & integrate within their new community. We really hope to continue welcoming these groups to the Community Kitchen – find out how to support us below.
A huge thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for funding this work as part of the Ready Healthy Eat Programme.
Help us run more community cookery sessions:
- Donations: Your financial support can help ensure the kitchen’s continued operation and reach more individuals in need.
- Volunteering: Lend your time and skills to help run the kitchen’s programs.
- Attend a Class: Buy a ticket for one of our evening and weekend classes and learn new cooking techniques from some of Brighton & Hove’s best chefs and cookery teachers.
- Hire the Space: Host your next event at the Community Kitchen and contribute to its mission. We host Team Building events, hen do’s, community groups and parties.
