The Comfort Cookbook
A Community Collaboration on food, care, and end-of-life conversations
The Comfort Cookbook is a unique publication created by researchers at the University of Southampton in partnership with the African and Afro-Caribbean community in the city.
It brings together recipes that offer comfort, especially during illness or for those near the end of life, alongside heartfelt stories, cultural expression, and conversations around healthcare, memory, and identity.
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10+ comforting recipes including maize porridge, Jamaican chicken curry, Caribbean fish soup, and Trinidadian-style pilau
Cultural reflections and personal stories about food, family, and memory
Illustrated by Karla Buck with artwork from community sessions
Insert image gallery block of dishes and workshops here
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The project was co-created by a diverse group of researchers, artists, and community members, including:
Lucy Green, Professor of Public Engagement
Dr. Jane Lavery, Latin American Studies
Dr. Jenny Baverstock, Biological Sciences
Jessica Teeling, Experimental Neuroimmunology
Gabriel Galvez-Prado, Artist & Movement Facilitator
Anne Cato, Community Leader
Marion Tasker, Artist (Hospice UK)
Carla Stuart, Visual Artist
Karla Buck, Illustrator
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This project sheds light on the inequalities faced by Black and ethnic minority communities in end-of-life care, especially around food, trust, and dignity in healthcare settings.
It opens up much-needed conversations about what it means to feel comforted, remembered, and cared for. -
The cookbook was launched at the New Testament Church of God in Southampton with a vibrant community lunch featuring plantain, cassava, spicy rice, jerk chicken, African chapati, and more.
All 18 contributors were honoured with certificates from the university.
“This cookbook is the result of true co-production of listening, sharing, and healing through food.”
– Anne Cato, Community Leader
“If I know I’m dying, Trinidadian-style pilau will be my last wish.”
– Jenny Gordon, Project Contributor
Read and share The Comfort Cookbook
The Comfort Cookbook is being shared during Dying Matters Awareness Week May 2025 and in healthcare settings as a tool for inclusive conversations around death, dying, and cultural care.
This work connects to my wider project Building Bridges Through Día de Muertos.
If you'd like to screen the short film, host a conversation or workshop, or collaborate, I’d be honoured to contribute to this meaningful work.