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.

Cooking as a path to healing

We run therapeutic cookery sessions for women and their children affected by domestic abuse, working in partnership with the charity Project Salama.

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

We are working this year to make a book with recipes and stories about the women and their lives in collaboration with Project Salama.

This year, we supported Survivor Space Oxfordshire with therapeutic cooking classes with a volunteer peer support worker.

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.”

In the 18-month business food programme, participants from Refugee Resource womens group, 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.

Small steps, brighter futures

 Many participants over the years have set up their own social enterprises and businesses, 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.

  • 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 well-meaning 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

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.