News / Coexist Community Kitchen
Crowdfunder to bring back Coexist Community Kitchen
After searching across the city for a suitable home for their community kitchen, the Coexist team have finally found their feet again in Mivart Studios in Easton.
They have the opportunity to build a brand new kitchen and dining space in the premises, located in a former Victorian factory, and are crowdfunding to make their vision of a hub that brings people together a reality.
The social enterprise has so far managed to raise almost £12,000 in a matter of weeks. The target is £25,000 to get up and running again and Coexist is hoping the community will get behind the bid after the project was forced to leave its previous home in Hamilton House late last year.
is needed now More than ever
“With the money we raise we will be able to pay for a whole new fit out for the kitchen. This will be working with a local eco-architect to build a welcoming, functional and professional community kitchen,” explains Ari Cantwell, one of the driving forces behind the project.
Coexist Community Kitchen originally started in 2011 and has taught cookery skills to thousands of people across the city.
One of the main priorities is to empower people to learn essential skills that they can carry with them throughout their life.
In previous years, Coexist has run cookery classes and events which support asylum seekers, refugees, mental health services, drug and alcohol recovery and young people.
“Now more than ever we need spaces for people to come together and build stronger networks,” says Ari.
“We use cookery as a vehicle to build self-esteem, challenge isolation and share skills. Cooking and eating together not only develops important skills but can help build valuable friendships. For many of the people we work with, the kitchen has become a therapeutic space.”
The most important aspect of the new kitchen will be the chance for a diverse range of people to access the service that was once so thriving, giving people the opportunity to build their self-esteem, try out new recipes and share them with their friends and family.
To contribute or find out more, visit: www.chuffed.org/project/coexist-community-kitchen-bring-us-back
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