Maymessy provides a nurturing, supportive environment to refugee and migrant women and those who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse. Here, they can rebuild confidence, develop new skills, and take steps towards financial independence. Through cookery, gardening, mentoring and small business support, we create space for connection, creativity, and new beginnings.
A safe space for growth
For women arriving in the UK — many from conflict zones or after traumatic experiences — Maymessy offers a place to learn, feel welcomed, but most importantly, belong. Participants have told us they feel safe, welcomed and understood here. For some, simply travelling outside their local area was a step forward.
In partnership with Refugee Resource and funded by People’s Health Trust, we delivered an 18‑month mentoring programme supporting seven women to explore and launch their own food-based businesses.
The Your Food Business programme included 15 workshops covering brand design, food labelling, business planning and marketing, alongside practical cookery and peer support.
Participants visited local markets, cafés and community kitchens, and were supported by 20 female business mentors from across Oxfordshire. Sessions combined entrepreneurial learning with confidence-building, travel independence and shared cultural experiences. Many of the women have now launched micro-businesses or pop-up food stalls, or are working toward a shared catering venture.
Cooking as a path to healing
Alongside our business programme, we also run therapeutic cookery sessions for women affected by domestic violence, working in partnership with Project Salama, Survivor Space and other local organisations.
These workshops bring together cooking, conversation and wellbeing, offering time for calm, creativity and connection.
Through these sessions, women have shared meals with their children, built confidence in the kitchen, and begun new personal and professional journeys. One mother described the experience as “the highlight of my week,” while another said, “I’m not just mum—I’m me again.”
‘L’said her week had gone really well after last week’s session, and she was feeling more able to get out and about ,and feeling less anxious about things and less bothered by things other wellmeaning people say but often get it wrong for her.” Ruth, Groups Facilitator, Survivor Space.
‘L’said her week had gone really well after last week’s session, and she was feeling more able to get out and about ,and feeling less anxious about things and less bothered by things other wellmeaning people say but often get it wrong for her.” Ruth, Groups Facilitator, Survivor Space.
“Thank you, Anna and team, for all your support and motivation. I still don’t believe it…it’s so kind of you, really appreciate your help.” Marriam
“Thank you, Anna and team, for all your support and motivation. I still don’t believe it…it’s so kind of you, really appreciate your help.” Marriam
Small steps, brighter futures
In addition to the cooking classes, we hold regular ‘Chai, Chop and Chat’ sessions with an emphasis on nature and outdoor activities, such as making lavender bags.
Several participants are now developing social enterprises, including catering services and community cafés.
To support these initiatives, we are always seeking additional funding to provide technical training, business development, and space for continued learning.
You can read more about our therapeutic sessions in our Fresh Starts and 18-Month Mentoring brochures.