Roots to Work: community programmes manager

Please introduce yourself and what you do.

Hi, I’m Raha! The community programme manager at Made In Hackney. My role focuses on providing the community with free cooking classes, within Hackney and across London. Our core mission is to offer free, culturally relevant, plant-based cooking and food-growing classes. Held online, at our Hackney HQ and at various community venues across London—such as hostels, refuges, youth centres, and schools. These transformative sessions empower the community to embrace affordable, healthy, and sustainable diets in a supportive environment. We partner with other charities and grassroots groups to reach those facing health disparities, food insecurity, and economic challenges.

Alongside Made In Hackney, I often collaborate with my sister Rose through our organisation, Still Chill, on providing wellbeing support through mindfulness and self-compassion, and on occasion teach Persian cookery classes at Made in Hackney.

What was your route into the sustainable food sector? 

Having studied Psychology at university, my work has been rooted in mental health and various community projects across sectors such as the NHS, NGOs, and the corporate world. Over the last few years, I’ve dedicated myself to community work, focusing on supporting various community groups including refugees and young people, ensuring they have access to education, food, and mental health care. I’m super passionate about cooking and creating plant-based meals, constantly exploring and crafting new recipes. I’m deeply interested in culture and its profound influence on our daily lives, from our behaviours to the food we savour. 

What’s the best thing about the work that you do? 

Providing people of all ages and backgrounds access to free food, education and mental health support. I also love learning new recipes from our amazing teachers and trying them at home. We have an incredibly wide range of cuisines and health-focused recipes that are always shared with class attendees.

Who inspires your work in this movement? 

I’m inspired by many people, including our dedicated team, the passionate teachers, the volunteers and the community we serve. It’s truly a collective effort when working towards the greater good, and each individual brings their own unique inspiration to the mission. Their commitment, resilience and love for people and food, always motivate me and drive my work forward.

What are your hopes for the future? 

My hopes centre around expanding access to nutritious food and holistic support for all individuals. I envision a world where communities have greater opportunities to embrace affordable, more plant-based diets and receive comprehensive care that addresses their educational, mental health, and nutritional needs. I aspire to see continued progress, driven by collective efforts. By staying closely aligned with our values, I believe we can make meaningful steps towards a future where everyone benefits from increased access to resources and support.

What advice would you give to anyone that is passionate about sustainable food systems and wants to work in this sector? 

Embrace persistence and patience. As I mentioned, change in this field can be slow, and progress often requires sustained effort and dedication. I would encourage them to surround themselves with a supportive team, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and remain open to learning and adapting. Connect deeply with the communities they aim to serve, as their needs and feedback will guide their work in the most effective way.

Find out more about Made In Hackney on their website or Instagram or connect with Raha and Rose via Still Chill.