05/10/2009

In an attempt to achieve three things, Standing Together is intending to publish the “Survivors Cookbook”. We want to raise awareness and funds to support action to combat domestic violence, and give survivors and those who work with them an opportunity to share their favourite recipes in a good cause.

We would love to know which meals have had an impact in the lives of people who have suffered from domestic abuse. It could be the first meal they cooked after becoming safe, or the one they always returned to when times were hard. Or another example could be that they wish to show off their new found skills following a cookery course which had opened up new possibilities in their lives. It would be fantastic to celebrate the rich diversity of culinary expertise which is out there – from the simple to the sublime.

Of course those who work with survivors are also welcome to join in the fun and send their ideas along. They may have fond memories of cooking for people after a particularly difficult time and their recipe could inspire others to achieve similar memories.

We know that sometimes the thought of spending time cooking fantastic meals, or even writing a recipe down, is not an option for those living in fear but we hope that enough people will be able to contribute to this book to make it worthwhile. Please do share your most favourite dishes, the simplest ones are often the best!

Our intention is also to seek recipes from professional chefs and intersperse those with the ones we get from the front line. Anyone who does supply a recipe which is included in the book will be named (should they choose to be) and if they wanted to explain why this meal meant so much to them, we may be able to introduce the recipe with a few of their words.

Hopefully we will get the cookery book professionally published and it will attract lots of publicity. All profits made will be shared equally between the National Domestic Violence Coordinators Network and the No Recourse Fund, administered by Women’s Aid.

If you want to take part in this uplifting and fun exercise please email your recipe to m.wills@standingtogether.org.uk. Let us know if you wish to be named and, if you would like to, let us have a few words about why the recipe is important to you. Let all your colleagues know as we are trying to spread our net widely.

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