Cooking is about more than just filling a plate — it’s a way to connect, heal, and rediscover a sense of belonging, that’s what Maddie believes. Maddie works as the Administration, Communications and Finance Officer at Borderlands, a Bristol-based charity that aims to serve the disadvantaged and marginalised. Borderlands is particularly passionate about supporting those seeking sanctuary and refugees who have often described food insecurity as a huge issue.

Convinced of the power of food, Maddie has been at the forefront of a unique Migrant Help funded project that is bringing people together through the simple and powerful act of sharing a meal.

Working at Borderlands

As war and conflict continue to force people to leave their homes and undertake dangerous journeys to reach the UK, Maddie felt compelled to help. Her passion for those seeking safety began when her best friend returned from volunteering in Calais and shared with her what she had seen and learnt. This, as Maddie claims, “inspired me to take my own action.”

“Working for Borderlands is my piece of community, my piece of activism and at the heart of my values.”

Maddie’s – and Borderlands’ - hands are full these days. Per capita, Bristol has one of the highest rates of people seeking sanctuary and refugees in the country. However, the team at Borderlands remains steadfast in the work they do despite the increasing challenges. As Maddie describes it: “I feel so fortunate to be part of such a small but mighty team.”

Maddie firmly believes that we can all play a role in “building community whether that’s through volunteering, creating opportunities for people to participate fully, or challenging unhelpful narratives.”

 

Recognising a Problem

Maddie describes how for those navigating UK’s asylum system, life in initial accommodation often means limited access to kitchens and very little autonomy over food.

“Food insecurity is a huge issue for those seeking asylum in the UK, and for many people housed in hotels, cooking isn’t possible because they don’t have access to kitchens.”

A lack of proper cooking equipment and facilities restricts the range of available food choices. For many, especially women, not being able to prepare their own meals is a painful loss — one tied to identity, memory, and cultural expression.

Food, as Maddie claims, has “always been at the heart of Borderlands.” From sharing community meals to swapping recipes, it has “always been a way of bringing people together.”

Community Cooking

Community Cooking, a bi-weekly drop-in run by Borderlands and funded by Migrant Help, is making a real difference in the Bristol community. The project invites people seeking asylum to cook, eat, and connect — not just for nourishment, but to feed their spirits and build meaningful relationships.

“Through our Monday Community Cooking sessions, Borderlands has the pleasure of inviting groups of friends and families living in hotels across the city to cook together and share a meal. We provide the kitchen, a budget for fresh ingredients for two to four cooks to prepare, and space to enjoy a meal. Those cooking can then invite up to 20 neighbours, friends and community members to join them for lunch.”

But these sessions go beyond food. Maddie and other Borderlands staff facilitate conversations about healthy eating, budgeting for ingredients, and kitchen safety. They also help participants connect with additional support services through Migrant Help, making the kitchen a place of learning and empowerment.

As Maddie describes the response to Community Cooking has been “hugely positive, we have seen different cuisines being cooked from different cultures and it is so nice to see our kitchen being converted into a feeling of home.”

This concept of “home” is one of the moments Maddie recalls most vividly from the Community Cooking sessions. One member, as Maddie recounts, described the session simply as a “home.” It was such a powerful reminder of what these gatherings mean. The joy, laughter, and connections that are created around the table each week are deeply moving and truly heartwarming.

Looking Forward

Since its launch nearly a year ago, Community Cooking has grown into more than a programme, it’s become a lifeline. Funded through Migrant Help’s Building, Empowering, Protecting and Supporting (BEPS) fund, it’s one of over 30 community-led projects supported over the past two years — all working to strengthen communities from the ground up.

Some members who have taken part in Community Cooking said:

• "More events like this really help with my confidence and my mental health. I'm so grateful to Borderlands for all their support."
• "I love to cook food from my own country and share with my community."
• "We enjoy the cooking, we miss our kitchen so much and after so long we cook, and we enjoy it, and we do it again. Our kids will be so happy to have these dishes!"
• "I feel happy to be here and share with my friends and community. It takes a bit of our daily stress and help us carry on."

And for Maddie, she hopes that Borderlands remains a welcoming place.

“I hope Borderlands continues to be a place where people feel truly at home, where members lead, share, and shape what happens. For Community Cooking, I’d love to see it grow even further as a platform for cultural exchange, skill-sharing, and happiness, while always keeping that sense of warmth and welcome at its heart.”

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