It takes a community to create opportunities.
Since Plateful Café began, we have been fortunate to receive the support, generosity and encouragement of many wonderful organisations, businesses and community groups that believe in our mission.
We are proud of the relationships we have built.
Some have opened their doors to us, offered spaces and facilities, shared professional expertise, volunteered their time or helped us build meaningful connections across London.
Every contribution, large or small, has helped us continue creating opportunities for refugees and people seeking asylum to develop their skills, build confidence, connect with others and work towards independence.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey.
The organisations behind
our journey
A heartfelt thank you to all our funders.
Thanks to the ongoing support of our funders, we can empower refugees, celebrate diverse cultures, and strengthen our community.
Garfield Weston Foundation
The National Lottery Community Fund
The Leathersellers
The Lee Charity of William HatcliffeCharitable Trust
A partner making a lasting difference
Lewisham Borough of Sanctuary
Plateful Café is a valued partner in the Lewisham Borough of Sanctuary network. Lewisham Council is delighted to be able to support the organisation’s work through the Borough of Sanctuary 2026 small grant of £1500. This is the second time that the organisation has been successful in securing the grant. It will enable the organisation to run a free Refugee Week community meal, offering employment and work experience to refugee chefs and offering an opportunity for Lewisham’s communities to come together and learn about each other.
Plateful Café’s work exemplifies what being a place of sanctuary is all about: it enables people seeking sanctuary to lead, to use their existing skills, develop new ones and to rebuild their lives; it fosters a sense of community, solidarity and belonging.
“As the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, we welcome those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries and protect the rights of all migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.”
Lewisham Borough of SanctuaryWhat our partners say
Testimonials from our partners, from the Plateful Café Annual Report 2025–26.
Plateful Café is a ground-breaking charity that paves the way to sanctuary through food. It is built through the vision of a strong woman, Iolanda Chirico and the work of talented people on the move.
Working with Plateful Café is wonderful. Our collaboration brought warmth and flavour, literally, on the ‘Migration on Film’ series at Goldsmiths (co-curated by Shereener Browne and myself)! The screenings and panel discussions would end by tasting the lovely food that Plateful prepared for our audiences.
Their station became a point of gathering, where the events would drop the more formal aspect and everyone had a moment to nourish themselves with delicious treats and chats.
Our further collaboration in the research project ‘Rights Through’, co-led by Yaprak Yildiz and myself, (supported by the PIIF Award 2026) allowed us to explore the connection between food and culture, and also to investigate how refuge is built through training and learning new skills associated with new recipes and international cuisine.
Looking forward to what we do next with Plateful!
Plateful Cafe has been a valued partner at our seasonal fairs at Sydenham Garden, and their involvement genuinely enhances the experience for everyone who attends. For many of the people who come to our events, including our programme participants, carers, and local residents, a fair is as much about feeling welcomed and cared for as it is about what’s on offer. Plateful understands that instinctively.
As a project rooted in Lewisham, the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, they also embody something we think matters deeply right now: that refugees and asylum seekers bring creativity, skills, and joy to our communities. At a time when that contribution is too often overlooked or undermined, partnerships like this one feel important. They’re a reminder of what’s possible when we build community together. We’re proud to work alongside them.
Plateful Café has become a valued partner in our work at Spitalfields City Farm, adding something genuinely special to the events and activities we host for our community. Their presence brings warmth, generosity and a real sense of welcome that resonates with our visitors – from local families to volunteers and programme participants.
As an organisation rooted in inclusion and opportunity, their work reflects values we share deeply. They demonstrate, through their food and their approach, the creativity, skills and richness that refugees and asylum seekers contribute to our city. At a time when those contributions are often overlooked, this partnership feels particularly meaningful. It shows what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared commitment to community, dignity and belonging. We’re proud to work alongside them.
Having Plateful Cafe as our catering partners for our week-long Refugee Festival was a delight. With all of our events, whether spoken word, exhibition private view or an intimate dining experience, as the food flowed the conversation followed – shared food works very similarly to creativity, it breaks down barriers and brings joy and connection. It helped that it was delicious too!
Everyone had such a lovely time. Seriously, the best Christmas party ever. The food was exceptional, the room looked beautiful and the creativity worked perfectly. We’ve shared Plateful Cafe with our networks and will definitely continue spreading the word about how brilliant both organisations are. Thank you for giving us such a special evening.
The best food ever. We had a lovely time.
Together, we make a difference
At Plateful Café, partnerships are about much more than practical assistance. They bring people together, create new opportunities and help build a stronger, more welcoming community.
To every organisation and individual who has welcomed us, encouraged us, shared our vision or contributed to our work: thank you for being part of our story.
Your kindness and support make a real difference.
Become a
Supporter
We are always looking to build relationships with organisations and businesses that share our belief in inclusion, dignity and opportunity.
Whether you can offer professional expertise, volunteering, facilities, work experience, mentoring or practical assistance, we would love to hear from you.
Together, we can help more refugees build skills, confidence and a brighter future.