Eat cake – tackle loneliness. What is not to like ? Last month saw the launch of a project in Southampton to do just that. Communibakes is a baker’s shop and community hub in Shirley set up by a local charity. The profits from the bakery and shop will be channeled into much-needed work to tackle isolation and loneliness. The project will also develop as a community hub in the area for local residents.
Communicare, which has been offering support to people across Southampton for many years, has taken over the Love Cake bakery on St James Road. Communibake will continue to build on the reputation of Love Cake, with existing staff being joined by new recruits. CommuniBakes’ new Director, Matt Baker (Editor: Is that for real?) says: “I am looking forward to being able to build on the solid foundation left by Love Cake as we go into the future.” The community bakery at 21, St James Road, Shirley is open on Thursdays and Fridays between 8.30am-12.30pm and on Saturdays between 8am-12pm.
Communicare plans to develop the project using over £6,000 raised through a successful campaign that gained the support of over a hundred people. “It was fantastic to receive so much support through our Crowdfunder from the residents of Southampton” says Nick Thomas, the charity’s Development Officer. “Our services are a vital lifeline to lonely and isolated people in the city and having the bakery as an additional revenue stream to help us deliver these services to meet demand is wonderful.”
The photo shows, Matt Baker, Communicare manager Annie Clewlow and baker Kieron Jones at the opening of Communibakes. Anyone interested in finding out more about CommuniBakes can visit its new website here: communibakes.co.uk
You can find out more about the work of Communicare in Southampton, find out how to volunteer with them, or make a donation at:- communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/
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