If you’ve ever joined a Migrateful cookery class, you’ve probably felt it – that welcoming atmosphere where strangers quickly become friends, stories flow freely, and delicious food brings people together. While our chefs and facilitators are at the heart of this experience, there’s another vital ingredient working hard behind the scenes to make the magic happen – our volunteers.
Every Migrateful class relies on a team of volunteers to help bring it all to life. They set the tone, carry the load, and help turn a simple kitchen into a space of connection, culture, and celebration.
Here, we speak to some of the brilliant people who give their time, warmth, and energy to support our Migrateful classes.
What Our Volunteers Do
At Migrateful, we support refugees and migrants as they rebuild their lives in the UK – through the power of food and storytelling. Our classes are more than just cookery lessons; they are spaces where chefs share their culture and personal journeys.
To make this happen, each class needs a small team of volunteers who:
- Set up cooking stations and prepare the space
- Welcome guests and help them feel at ease
- Assist chefs and facilitators throughout the session
- Keep things running smoothly – including the crucial clean-up throughout the session
But more than the tasks themselves, volunteers help create the atmosphere that defines Migrateful: inclusive, respectful and celebratory. Their presence allows our chefs to feel supported and celebrated as they share not just their recipes, but their identities and experiences.
Hear From Migrateful Volunteers Karina And Katie
Karina began volunteering in 2024, and describes her experience volunteering as “fun, educational and tasty”. She initially signed up to give back and meet new people, but quickly realised the deep personal impact it would have.
“When I found Migrateful, it felt like the perfect combination – supporting a great cause, learning how to prepare delicious meals, and connecting with people from different cultures,” she says.
Karina recalls one class with Tajik chef Sanobar from Uzbekistan, where she stepped in to help translate. The food was extraordinary, but what stayed with her most was the chef Sanobar’s powerful story about her identity and the history of her homeland.
“It reminded me that your country of origin doesn’t always reflect your cultural or ethnic background. There was so much depth in that moment – and I was grateful to be a small part of helping her share it.”
For Katie, another regular volunteer, the connection to Migrateful is deeply personal. Her family were refugees from Vietnam, and she often thinks of her late mother when she’s in the kitchen.
“When I think of my mum, I think of her cooking dishes that reminded her of home. The chefs at Migrateful often say their recipes come from their mothers and grandmothers. I love that. It keeps those traditions alive.”
Katie remembers a moment during one of chef Nadereh’s early classes. As Nadereh described the mountains and landscapes of her home in Iran, she became emotional.
“Everyone in the room could feel it – the sense of grief, the weight of what she had left behind. It was incredibly moving. And that’s the beauty of Migrateful: it offers a space for chefs to be seen not just as migrants, but as people – full of memories, strength, and generosity.”
How To Get Involved
Volunteering with Migrateful is more than just helping out. It’s about being part of a community, sharing experiences, and being part of something meaningful. Many of our volunteers say they came to give back, but ended up gaining something far richer: new friendships, cultural insights, and unforgettable memories.
Visit our volunteer portal to become part of our brilliant community of volunteers.
