Publish date: 30 January 2025
Ealing Community Partners (ECP) have launched an exciting new pilot project called the Wellbeing Kitchen to empower asylum seekers through cooking.
Ealing’s Wellbeing Kitchen is led by Katerina Manginas and Rosanna Jones from the Healthier Lifestyles Team.
The Wellbeing Kitchen offers monthly cooking classes at the University of West London (UWL). After four successful months, the next class will take place on Tuesday 18 February, followed by the final session in March.
Why the Wellbeing Kitchen?
Asylum seekers living in catered hotel accommodation have limited opportunities to enjoy freshly prepared, culturally relevant meals, and the food provided lacks nutritional benefits.
Ealing’s Wellbeing Kitchen provides a welcoming space where participants can reconnect with the joy of preparing their own meals in a professional kitchen.
Through this initiative, participants not only learn to create affordable and healthy dishes but also have the chance to meet fellow residents in a relaxed and supportive environment.
For many residents, these classes have been a chance to break routines that can feel isolating and to experience the positive impacts of cooking on both physical and mental health.
Preparing fresh, nutritious meals helps participants feel more energised and in control of their wellbeing, while the welcoming group setting aims to boost to mental health by reducing feelings of loneliness.
Cooking for health and inclusion
The recipes used in the classes are co-created with participants to reflect their diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring the dishes are both familiar and meaningful. Under the guidance of professional chefs, participants prepare meals using fresh ingredients provided by UWL, gaining practical cooking skills they can carry forward.
Each session concludes with a shared meal in the university’s restaurant. This communal dining experience offers participants an opportunity to connect with others, foster social inclusion and build a sense of community. Participants have expressed how much they value the chance to dine with family, friends, and fellow class members in a positive and welcoming setting.
The bigger picture
Beyond cooking, Ealing’s Wellbeing Kitchen promotes physical and mental wellbeing by empowering participants with skills, confidence, and connection. The project also highlights the importance of providing spaces that encourage inclusivity and mutual support.
ECP is a collaboration between NHS services, Ealing Council, and voluntary organisations, all working together to provide comprehensive community health and care services in Ealing.
The partnership is led by West London NHS Trust and aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.
A special thanks to NHS Health Inequalities fund for making this project possible.