Together at the Table

A Welcoming Space to Come Together

Together at the Table

Funded by the National Lottery Awards for All

Niburu London are delighted to be sponsored once again by the National Lottery Community Fund.

A Trustee Initiative

The Together at the Table Project is the inspiration of Niburu London Trustee, Norman Allen. Norman’s wish is to create an opportunity to embrace and support those suffering with Cancer – a space where participants Cook Together, Eat and Share fellowship in whatever discussions or chats that follow in a relaxed informal environment. The hope is that at the end of a Cook and Share session users have a heart-warming experience that cultivates a sense of well-being; in conclusion, a time well spent.

Norman describes his desire to create support and inspiration for the project:

“Ever since going through my own personal cancer journeys to the point of remission, I have had this desire to setup a support activity, to help those going through their own journey, at whatever point they may be at. I’ve always envisaged this idea being an inclusive gathering, where participants, cook, chat, discuss and commune together to support each other in an informal setting. In the past, I’ve attended Cancer Support groups and have benefited greatly from being part of such a support group subsequently inspiring my passion, for a project such as this“.

Working in Partnership

We are delighted to be partnering with The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre to bring Together at the Table to the community. Known as a second home for people with cancer, Nightingales have been helping those diagnosed with cancer for over 20 years. During this time Nightingales has provided free support for over 20,000 people. A wide range of services including counselling, exercise sessions, centre activities such as coffee mornings, complementary treatments and further support resources.

Please follow the link to Nightingale’s website to learn more of this amazing organisation – Link

The project is still in the planning stages, and we look forward to sharing more with you as we approach launch date!

A Project in the Making

Together at the Table stands as a pilot project, creating a foundation on which to build for the future.

Behind the Scenes

In addition to being the inspiration behind Together at the Table, Niburu London Trustee, Norman Allen, has taken the lead in bringing the pilot project to fruition.

Extensive research into potential venues, session format, trailing time appropriate menus, regular meeting with Nightingale heads and members plus consultation with Niburu London Trustees took place over several months.

With the final format developing, Norman undertook a ‘Trial Run’ with Niburu London Trustees and valued friends. Following an enthusiastic Teams meeting to choose menu and task allocation, the session was held at Enfield Baptist Church.

The afternoon held a hive of chatter and activity. Most importantly, everyone felt they had shared an enjoyable afternoon, with delicious food a good company!

Below are some photographs and excellent suggestions from our Trustees.

Our Trustee’s Suggestions!

Following the session, group members shared ideas, comments and suggestions to support final arrangements for the project official launch.

⨳ A perfect space prepare food in cordial surroundings, with enough utensils, plates, pots for the session
⨳ The food was delicious and the session really enjoyable
⨳ Relaxed environment allowed group to speak openly and freely
⨳ As conversation between the group developed it allowed you to opened up and share more easily
⨳ The menu was good, not too complicated, just right
⨳ An excellent trial run! We’re feel the session will go really well!

⨳ Insist everyone washes their hands before cooking
⨳ Move around and with greater interaction during prep and cooking
⨳ Cooking instructions may be helpful
⨳ What to do if someone decides they don’t want to cook
⨳ It is important to clean as we go, as this gives another chance to engage
Keeping track of time especially the cooked food, perhaps omitting the final tea and coffee should time become limited
⨳ Delegation will play a huge part ~ you can’t do everything Norman

Planning Together

Following preliminary meetings between Norman Allen (Niburu London) and Nightingale Heads, Nick Jacobs (CEO) and Fiona Connell (Head of Services), Together at the Table planning sessions began in April 2025.

The regular Nightingale Coffee Mornings provided an opportunity for Norman to meet members to gauge interest in the project. From the outset, response was very positive. When outlining the session plans, Norman confirmed that whilst he would be facilitating the sessions, guidance for content, menus etc, would come from the group themselves. During the first coffee morning, ideas were shared, with approximately 20 – 25 individuals interested in the project, with an indication of further interest expressed for those not present.

From the first coffee morning, Nightingale members have shown great enthusiasm for the project, sharing ideas, suggestion and proactively organising into groups of 6 for the upcoming sessions. As the preparatory weeks unfolded, it became clear that, although the formal ‘Together at the Table’ sessions were yet to commence, the sharing, connection and communications between formed during these weeks suggested the project’s aim had been realised from the outset.

Promoting Ecologically

Niburu London recognises the environmental crisis and its duty to operate in an environmentally responsible way. Committed to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, environmental considerations are incorporated into planning, procurement, and project delivery.

Following discussion with the Nightingale’s members, it was decided that leaflet promotion would be preferable to sharing information electronically. After extensive research, Hatch Print, a local printing company, specialising in eco friendly product made from recycled silk and seeded papers, and utilising vegan ink, was selected. The leaflets were designed in house and printed on recycled silk by Hatch Print.

To provide regular project updates, a QR code is printed on the reverse of the leaflet, providing a direct link to a dedicated ‘Notice Board’ page on the Niburu London website. Project updates and session information are provided, negating the need for additional printing.

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