Cooking Connections
Overview
Jacqui of Jazanne Arts is working with small groups and individuals who have expressed an interest in providing a chapter for a cookbook of family recipes and stories. Jazanne Arts has 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 were encouraged to interact with cooking utensils and appliances, then share the recipes and stories that come to mind. These stories were often linked to a family meal or dessert shared with loved ones.
Participants had the opportunity to take part in structured workshops providing them with the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas in a safe, accessible environment. It allowed members to develop their creative voice by sharing cultural experiences, perspectives and approaches to cooking. This in turn develops understanding, creates a sense of empowerment, improves wellbeing and reduces isolation.
Eventually these stories and recipes came together to form a Newham cultural shared cookbook. This was launched at a public event as part of Newham Heritage Month on 29th June 2024 where some of the recipes and stories came to life!
“My mum didn’t teach me how to cook – It was my dad. My mum could burn boiling water…”
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.
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