Hannah Norton: Darren was one of the first friends I made at the Community Cook Up. He was there every week and usually the first to arrive. I cherish my conversations with Darren – the wisdom he offers has a calming effect on me. If anyone was sitting by themselves at Cook Up he’d sit down next to them and strike up a conversation. He went every week because, ‘I just like doing summit, giving something back y’know? I think that the world would be a better place if people just did that, just one time, or half a time, or even told someone’

Rose and Ellz. As I sat and talked with Ellz in her kitchen, Rose stood behind me on the sofa, enthusiastically doing my hair, using a playing card as a brush. The pandemic was the first time she used a food bank. ‘We’re just going through a little struggle right now. And for me, I go to the Cook Up for the sake of my child. Everyone struggles, we all have our little moments where we need help [...] When people look at this picture, I want them to remember to enjoy every moment you can, especially with the ones you love’

Sitting with Ronke in her flat, with a few different portraits of her printed out, I asked her which one she thinks we should use. ‘I think that one tells more of a story – it shows that the person is sad. She’s got her Bible and notebook – it shows that she’s trying to keep occupied to keep going. And the person is also thinking, what can she do to make things better in her life?’

If you closed your eyes at the Cook Up, you would think you were at a bustling East End market, and that was thanks to John. He worked on a market stall all his life and his booming voice and turn of phrase is a joy to listen to

Sylvester dances inside the Cook Up. He was there every week without fail and knew everyone

Stella was someone I saw every week, but this image I took of her was the first time she wanted her photo taken, about six months into the project. The week before, Stella had been moved out of the hostel and into her own flat. Sitting in her new place, looking at the photos I have taken of her, I asked what she wanted people to take away from seeing her image. ‘What I really want people to take away is, just be yourself, be truthful, have a mind of helping others, have a mind of sharing whatever you have with others. Whatever you still have, you can still give other people life, even though you are thinking to yourself that you don’t have life at that moment. Know that there is a way out. Know that whatever you are doing, if you are not successful, if it doesn’t come the way you want it, just have in mind that one day everything is going to take shape. Be positive, be determined, persevere, persist, do not give up. Don’t give up. That is the message: don’t give up’

The first time I met Insaf outside the Cook Up was at the park. She had some cucumbers with her that her friend had grown and given to her. Insaf insisted on giving me the cucumbers. She wouldn’t take no for an answer, and I really tried

Rose travelled from Walthamstow to come to the Cook Up every week. She is the kindest soul: greets you with a hug and brings back gifts whenever she goes away

Sam and Lisa. Cook up legends! The life and soul of every party we had and you would never see them apart

Rosemary was a long-time volunteer who provided free counselling

Beryl was the original cook, and a long-time volunteer at the food bank

Marie outside the Cook Up. She was a regular and a great cook

Insaf was a regular at the Cook Up and always brought me little bits of food; she cares so deeply for people. She smiles at every baby and smells every flower. It is a joy to be in her company. She said: ‘I am happy you showed me my picture – I would like you to take more photos. I haven’t got pictures you see – in my life, I have no pictures’