Cooking Connections

Overview

Jaqui of JazanneArts is working with small groups and individuals who have expressed an interest in providing a chapter for a cookbook of family recipes and stories. JazanneArts will run up to 20 workshops using artefacts, storytelling, drama, music and poetry to enable participants to share recipes and reflections on how food relates to their culture and identity.

During reminiscence sessions, participants are encouraged to interact with cooking utensils and appliances, then share the recipes and stories that come to mind. These stories are often linked to a family meal, or dessert shared with loved ones.

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in structured workshops providing them with the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas in a safe, accessible environment. It will allow members to develop their creative voice by sharing cultural experiences, perspectives and approaches to cooking. This in turn will develop understanding, create a sense of empowerment, improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.

Eventually these stories and recipes will come together to form a Newham cultural shared cookbook. This will be showcased at a public event where some of the recipes and stories will come to life!

“My mum didn’t teach me how to cook – It was my dad. My mum could burn boiling water…”

— Group Member

About the project partners

JazanneArts

JazanneArts have provided taster sessions with project partners Time Together Club, Plaistow based Drop-In Bereavement Centre, and Reminiscence Café.

Time Together Club

The Time Together Club meet on a Sunday for dinner. The group is made up of 16 isolated individuals from across the borough who require transport to attend sessions; transport is facilitated by Newham Community Transport. From the initial meeting the members were keen to take part. As the tasters moved to the more focused sessions, the participants grew in confidence giving feedback during evaluations. They suggested the topics important to them. As a result, a session was run focused on puddings and desserts.

The Bereavement Drop in Centre

The Drop-in Bereavement Centre is a group that meets to provide support for individuals on their bereavement journey. They meet on Wednesday and Friday. JazanneArts are working with their Friday group; there are approximately 12 members.

Reminiscence Cafe

The Reminiscence Café is a drop-in group of older people who meet at Applecart Café. They meet on Wednesdays and share reminiscence stories based around artifacts and photos. The weekly topics for discussion are chosen by the group. The numbers for the group vary from week to week but there are about five regular members.