We're still collecting donations
On the 17th December 2024 we'd raised £29,737 with 297 supporters in 12 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Coexist's 'Unity Through Food' Fundraiser
by Coexist Community Kitchen in Bristol, Bristol City, United Kingdom
Total raised £30,602
raised so far310
supporters
Flexible funding – this project will receive all pledges made
by
17th December 2024 at 10:00am
We're fundraising to keep the Coexist Kitchen running in 2025, bringing people together through food and supporting people in our community.
by Coexist Community Kitchen in Bristol, Bristol City, United Kingdom
New stretch target
Reaching our stretch target would allow us to fund more cooking classes and programmes, continue our vital Community Meals service and develop our new Monthly Meal, where everyone is invited to join us once a month for a free meal.
In addition to this, we would allocate funds to our new ‘Little Kitchen’ which will be a dedicated catering kitchen and enable us to expand our catering services to fund our work. Currently the Little Kitchen is half built, but with more funds we could complete it – creating a whole new space for the team to work – whilst also offering training and employment opportunities to people who have come through our programmes.
Every donation we receive helps secure the future of the Coexist Community Kitchen, so we can keep our doors open and continue supporting our community. Your contribution means we can be there for people when they need it most, providing vital services and a safe, welcoming space for everyone.
**We also have some amazing rewards this year thanks to the very generous Bristol business community! Scroll down to see what's on offer...
FOR PRIZE DRAWS, PLEASE READ OUR TS&CS HERE.
ABOUT US
We are the Coexist Community Kitchen, an inclusive, non-profit cookery school in the heart of Bristol on a mission to bring people together through the power of food.
Our core work focuses on connecting with young people and adults facing social marginalisation by running free and subsidised cookery classes and training programmes. We use the simple act of cooking as a powerful tool to support people.
Our aim is to build a happier, healthier and more connected society by tackling big issues like food insecurity, social isolation and societal marginalisation. We also run a weekly Community Meals service, supporting hundreds of people across the city experiencing food insecurity, and we host large Monthly Meals—free, welcoming gatherings around the dinner table that are open to everyone in the community.
WHAT WE DO
Every week, we run a variety of one-off cooking lessons and longer cookery programmes, designed to match peoples' skill levels and interest in different types of food. We partner with organisations like Second Step, Bristol Drugs Project, and Diverse UK to support individuals facing challenges such as mental health issues, addiction and neurodivergence. Below are some of the classes we offer:
Speak & Eat is a free, six-week cooking and ESOL class designed for refugees and asylum seekers. Participants improve their English while preparing and sharing international dishes. Since 2016, this programme has helped people connect, practice language skills, and gain confidence in the kitchen, with the guidance of qualified English teachers.
Cook & Connect is an open-access class available to individuals who aren’t currently accessing social services but could benefit from cooking with us. We’re partnering with GPs and health providers to offer these sessions as part of social prescribing for those facing loneliness, pre-diabetes, mental health challenges, substance misuse, or food insecurity. These classes aim to make our kitchen accessible to all, particularly those not receiving formal social support.
ACE (Accelerated Cooking & Entrepreneurship) In partnership with ACH, ACE is a seven-week intensive programme for aspiring chefs from refugee and migrant backgrounds. This course equips participants with all the skills needed to start their own food business, fostering independence and economic opportunity while building strong community connections.
Young Chefs is a programme that runs primarily during the summer, helping children aged 7-13 develop essential kitchen skills. These engaging sessions support children in preparing healthy dishes and learning to cook, especially during a time when many miss the routine and regular meals provided by school. We also work with young carers to provide them with some much needed respite.
THE IMPACT OUR WORK HAS
- 90% said they felt more connected to people
- 90% said their self-esteem improved
- 90% said their mood was better
- 92% felt more confident about cooking
- 96% would recommend Coexist to others
WHAT PEOPLE SAY...
Community Meals Service
Our Community Meals service began as a crisis response during lockdown, but it has since evolved into an essential support system for many in our community. Thanks to our incredible volunteers, we prepare and distribute up to 180 meals each week, reaching around 145 individuals who rely on this programme for their wellbeing. By transforming surplus food that would have otherwise gone to waste into delicious, nutritious meals, we’re not only helping those in need but also making a positive impact on the environment. It's all about coming together to support each other and make a real difference.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY...
THE IMPACT OUR WORK HAS
- 82% feel more able to manage finances
- 88% would recommend the service to others
- 71% have more self-confidence
- 55% feel in a better mood, less unhappy/anxious
WITH A LITTLE (A LOT OF!) HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS...
Everything we do is made possible by the incredible dedication of our volunteers. From preparing some 180 meals each week to facilitating inspiring cooking experiences and keeping our workshops running smoothly, they are the heart and soul of our community initiatives. We are beyond grateful for this amazing network of supporters who make our outreach and programmes a reality.
Last year alone, they devoted 1,792 hours—that’s equivalent to 224 full working days! We couldn’t do it without them.
WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS SAY...
REWARDS YOU CAN PLEDGE FOR!
TS&CS FOR OUR TWO PRIZE DRAWS CAN BE FOUND HERE - PLEASE READ BEFORE ENTERING.
WHAT IF WE HIT OUR £25K TARGET?
Now, imagine this: we smash our £25,000 target, and go on to hit our stretch goal of £50,000! What would this mean for the Coexist Kitchen…
We could complete our new catering kitchen!
We’re halfway through transforming a space into a second kitchen, purely dedicated to catering. Now, here’s the thing: our professional catering service is vital to the way we fund our Community Kitchen. But right now, we have to turn down a whopping 65% of enquiries because our main kitchen is always in use! With this new kitchen, we’ll be able to take on loads more contracts. That means more income to support our project AND more opportunities for the amazing people who’ve come through our programmes to get hands-on experience in catering and work opportunities.
Training and employment opportunities:
Hitting that £50,000 would mean we can recruit more catering staff – kitchen porters, chefs, waiting staff – and wherever possible we’ll be giving these roles to people in our community who’ve come through our cooking courses. It’s about empowering people to take control of their future, build financial independence, and feel proud of the skills they’ve gained.
And there’s more – continued support for our entrepreneurial chefs!
We want to offer ongoing support and opportunities to chefs who have come through our ACE course, delivered in partnership with ACH. If we were to hit our stretch target, we could give these talented chefs more paid opportunities – leading pop-up lunches, working on catering contracts, and gaining the confidence they need to start their own food businesses.
WHY WE'RE CROWDFUNDING
This Winter we're aiming to raise £25,000 to continue our work throughout 2025. The fundraiser is not only about keeping our kitchen running—it’s a celebration of diversity, unity, and the ability of food to bring people together, particularly in response to recent challenges our community has faced through racial hatred.
As part of the UNITY THROUGH FOOD campaign, we’ll be sharing stories and recipes from the people who make up our kitchen, showing how food fosters connections across differences. Reaching our target will help ensure that we can continue to provide vital spaces of support and connection in Bristol.
JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN BRISTOL & BEYOND!
Rewards
This project offers rewards in return for your donation.
£75 or more
Spanish Tapas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Evening
Pledge £75 for a Spanish Tapas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting! Join the Coexist team and KASK Wine on Friday, 28th February 2025 for a 3-hour workshop. You'll create a traditional tapas board from scratch, then enjoy your dishes with a guided wine tasting led by Charlie Taylor from KASK—perfectly paired with your creations.
£2 or more
Christmas Hamper Prize Draw
Pledge £2 and you could win a beautiful Christmas Hamper jam packed with goodies! A selection of Easton Chili Chutneys, Spiced Apple Shrub from Pasettie & Boote, a Coexist tote bag & tea towel, bottle of wine, a Guyanese Black Cake and more! You can also enter this draw by emailing [email protected] with the subject line ‘Xmas Hamper 2’.
£5 or more
£5 Prize Draw 'Beer for a Year' Prize Draw
Pledge £5, and you’ll be in with a chance to win a Bristol Beer Factory Beer Subscription for a whole YEAR! Enjoy new brews, returning specials, and BBF’s entire iconic collection—12 cans a month for 12 months! We’ll pick a winner at random on 17th December. You can also enter this draw by emailing [email protected] with the subject line ‘BBF Subscription 5’.
£5 or more
A Special Recipe from the Coexist Team
Pledge £5 and receive a special recipe from our team! From Kelly’s Nan’s love-filled Christmas pudding to Joey’s Mum’s rustic Anchovy Pasta, and Ella’s Babcia’s delicious Pierogi, these are more than just dishes—they’re heartfelt family favourites, each with a story behind them. Your donation not only supports our community kitchen but also brings a little taste of our family traditions to your home.
£10 or more
Get a Radek's Lion’s Mane chocolate bar!
Donate £10 and receive a delicious Radek's Lion’s Mane chocolate bar! Made in Bristol, this bar blends ethically sourced cacao, coconut sugar, lucuma, and native Lion’s Mane mushrooms grown just 500m from the Bristol Fungarium farm. Stone-ground for three days, it’s packed with antioxidants and unique compounds to boost mood, focus, and energy. Indulge in a treat that’s as good for you as it is for the planet!
£10 or more
£10 Prize Draw - Dinner for you and all your mates
Fancy a slap-up dinner with 25 mates? Our chefs will craft a bespoke menu using top-quality seasonal produce from local farms. Perfect for a big birthday or special celebration! Enter the prize draw by pledging £10 for a chance to win. Want better odds? Pledge multiples of £10 (e.g., £20 gets you two entries). You can also enter by emailing [email protected] with the subject 'BBF Subscription 10'.
£16 or more
Guyanese Black Cake
Made with love by our amazing Cookery Tutor, Bearnie, this is no ordinary festive cake. Similar to a traditional Christmas cake, but with a twist—fruits are blended and soaked in stout and a very generous amount of Caribbean rum. Rich, flavourful, and utterly indulgent, it’s the perfect gift to share (or keep for yourself!) this Christmas.
£25 or more
Coexist Tshirt
Pledge £25 and show your support all around town with our limited edition Coexist T-Shirt, designed by the acclaimed Northern Irish illustrator and mural artist David McMillan. Made from 100% organic cotton and printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks, this shirt not only looks great but also embodies our commitment to sustainability, as it’s produced using 100% renewable energy.
£60 or more
5-Yoga Classes at Now Studio
o Pledge £60 and you’ll get a voucher for x5 yoga classes at the Now Studio, located just above our kitchen on Mivart Street! This welcoming space offers a variety of yoga and wellness classes to help you find balance and relaxation. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, you’ll find the perfect class to suit your needs.
£300 or more
Book a Whole Table at Our Winter Feast (8 People)
Gather your friends for a festive night out! Grab a table of 8 tickets to our Winter Feast and not only will you enjoy a fantastic evening with your whole crew, but you’ll also save some cash. By booking a whole table, each ticket is just £37.50 instead of the standard £45—a great deal for a great night!
£500 or more
Bristol Beer Factory 'Beer for a Year'
We are offering two lucky locals a year’s BBF Beer SUBSCRIPTION, worth £450! You’ll receive brand new brews, returning specials, and BBF's entire iconic core collection. Never miss a beer; sample all of the finest cans first, direct from the brewhouse. WHAT YOU GET: A mixed case of BBF beer, each with 12 x 440ml cans, per month, for 12 months. WHEN YOU GET IT: Come to the Tap Room on North Street to pick up 3 cases, every 3 months
£15 or more
Hot Chocolate for Two at Ruby Hue’s
Pledge £15 to get this choccy treat for two at the fabulous Ruby Hue Chocolate Factory & Café on East Tucker Street. We absolutely LOVE what they do! Part of the craft chocolate revolution, Ruby Hue is raging against unethical cacao sourcing; creating delicious, ethically-produced bean-to-bar chocolate. Sip on their indulgent hot choc, topped with delightful extras like a giant housemade marshmallow, sorrento orange or blackthorn sea salt. YUM
£20 or more
£10 Voucher to spend at Hart's Bakery Bristol
Pledge £20 and enjoy a £10 voucher to spend at Hart’s Bakery! Known for their artisan breads, pastries, and seasonal treats, this Bristol favourite is the perfect spot to indulge in freshly baked delights. Whether you're craving a classic croissant, a gooey cinnamon bun, or a hearty loaf, Hart’s has something to satisfy every craving.
£20 or more
£10 Vouchers for Better Food
Pledge £20 and get a £10 voucher to spend at Better Food, Bristol’s go-to for organic, ethical, and locally-sourced goodies! With stores in St Werburghs, Whiteladies Road, Gloucester Rd & Wapping Wharf, you’re never far from fresh produce and tasty treats. Shop knowing you're supporting sustainability and local business. So, make that pledge, do some good, and treat yourself while backing our kitchen project!
£25 or more
Coffee & Cake for two at Matter Wholefoods
Pledge now and enjoy Coffee & Cake for two at Matter Wholefoods Café in Easton! Treat yourself to two drinks of your choice—whether it’s rich coffee, herbal tea, or something indulgent—plus a slice of delicious homemade cake each. With a variety of organic, vegan, and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone. Relax in this cozy, community-focused café while supporting our mission to bring people together through food.
£25 or more
Coexist Tshirt
Pledge £20 and show your support all around town with our limited edition Coexist T-Shirt, designed by the acclaimed Northern Irish illustrator and mural artist David McMillan. Made from 100% organic cotton and printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks, this shirt not only looks great but also embodies our commitment to sustainability, as it’s produced using 100% renewable energy.
£25 or more
£20 Voucher to use at Bookhaus
Bookhaus is offering a £20 book voucher, redeemable at their lovely store in Wapping Wharf. This radical independent bookshop is celebrated for its diverse selection of books, catering to all tastes. Bookhaus is also a hub for the community, regularly hosting engaging reading groups and lively events—making it the perfect place to discover your next favourite read.
£30 or more
£25 Voucher for The Bristol Cheesemongers
Treat yourself or a cheese lover in your life with a £25 voucher to spend at The Bristol Cheesemongers! Whether you're curating the perfect Christmas cheeseboard or looking for a delicious gift, this voucher is the ultimate treat for any cheese enthusiast.
You can use it at either of their lovely shops:
✨ Their cozy spot in Wapping Wharf
✨ Their brand-new location on Gloucester Road
£35 or more
Two tickets to Wake the Tiger
Pledge £35 to get your hands on two tickets to Bristol's incredible Wake the Tiger amazement park! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with interactive art, immersive experiences, and loads of fun! Just remember, the two tickets (one pair) must be used in one go, and you need to visit by 31st December 2024.
£45 or more
Ticket to the Coexist Winter Feast
Pledge £45 and join us for the Winter Feast—an unforgettable evening at The Elmgrove Centre in Redland on Friday 13th December. Enjoy a three-course celebration of seasonal British produce, curated by the Coexist team. Plus, we’ll be joined by some musicians from Bristol-based folk group, Hedera, performing original and traditional pieces inspired by global music. It’s the perfect night of food, music, and community!
£50 or more
Apron & Teatowel Bundle by Molly Mural
This bundle features an eye-catching Apron and a beautifully designed Teatowel, both embodying Molly's signature style. We're so grateful to have some of Molly's artwork in our kitchen and love it's feeling of joy, connection and optimism! Just one of these - so pledge now not to miss out! Check out https://mollymural.myshopify.com/ to see some of Molly's designs.
£50 or more
Cooking Class Gift Voucher at Coexist
Pledge £50 and join us for a hands-on cooking class at Coexist Community Kitchen! Over 3 hours, you'll learn new skills and cook alongside our expert chefs, creating delicious dishes from scratch. Whether you're mastering fresh pasta or diving into mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, there's something for everyone. After the class, enjoy the fruits of your labor with a communal feast around our dinner table. Perfect for food lovers of all levels!
£60 or more
£20 Reward
Enjoy a relaxing escape with 2 Guest Swim Passes to the beautiful Bristol Lido. You'll have access to the heated outdoor pool, steam room, sauna, and hot tub in the beauitful, Victorian setting. It's a perfect way to unwind solo or with a friend. Treat yourself or share the experience with someone special, and support our cause in style!
£80 or more
£80 Gift Voucher for ROOT
Pledge £80 and receive an £80 voucher for ROOT – Bristol’s top spot for plant-forward, seasonal plates. Their creative dishes showcase the very best local ingredients, all served in a vibrant, laid-back setting. You’ll be supporting an incredible local restaurant and our amazing cause at the same time – what could be better? They also do the BEST Spicy Mezcal Margaritas!
£100 or more
Wine Tasting for 2 at KASK
Pledge now and get x2 tickets to one of KASK’s lively wine tasting events in Bedminster! Forget the formalities—these sessions are all about having fun with great wine and company. Held on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month, your host will share a curated selection of delicious wines, while you also learn about the wines and the producers behind them. Expect a lively, sometimes chaotic, but always unforgettable night of tasting & fun!
£100 or more
£100 Voucher for Bianchis Group restaurants!
Win a £100 voucher to spend at any of the fantastic Bianchis Group restaurants! Whether you’re in the mood for mouth-watering pasta at Pasta Ripiena or a cozy Italian meal at Bianchis Restaurant, this voucher covers it all. From Pazzo’s vibrant vibes to Cotto’s modern Italian cuisine and Centrale’s laid-back atmosphere, enjoy an unforgettable dining experience anywhere you choose!
£100 or more
£100 Voucher for Bianchis Group restaurants!
Pledge £100 and receive a £100 voucher to spend at any of the fantastic Bianchis Group restaurants! Whether you’re in the mood for mouth-watering pasta at Pasta Ripiena or a cozy Italian meal at Bianchis Restaurant, this voucher covers it all. From Pazzo’s vibrant vibes to Cotto’s modern Italian cuisine and Centrale’s laid-back atmosphere, enjoy an unforgettable dining experience anywhere you choose!
£1,000 or more
£20 Reward
Imagine an unforgettable evening dining with 25 of your friends! Our talented chefs will create a custom menu just for you, featuring the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. Whether it's a big birthday, an anniversary, or any special celebration, this experience will make memories to last a lifetime. You could even club together with your mates to make this a group donation. We'll contact you to find a suitable date that works.