Bakery uses its loaf to help others

Stoneham Bakehouse, a Hove-based community bakery which works with people who have mental health issues through therapeutic baking, has received £10,000 of matched funding from Santander’s new Changemaker Fund.

The fund was launched at the end of last year as part of an innovative collaboration between Santander and a rewards-based crowdfunding platform.

It is designed to help social enterprises, small charities and community groups provide projects that improve communities and help disadvantaged people to have confidence in the future.

Stoneham Bakehouse uses baking to promote community cohesion and to support those in the area suffering from mental health issues.

As well as acting as a bakery, the team run sessions with schools and other community groups to support wellbeing.

The extra funding will enable the bakery to kit out its new premises with ovens and baking equipment, helping them to reach more people in need and run more community sessions.

Simon Cobb, one of the directors of Stoneham Bakehouse, said the grant will give them the chance to help more people.

He said: “Through the Changemaker fund we are able to expand our services to reach more people in need in the local area and offer more community sessions each week.

“We used to bake to order but with the new shop, we are able to run more of a traditional bakery for the community.”

Sue Douthwaite, managing director of Santander Business Banking, said: “It can be overwhelming for those suffering with mental health difficulties, so it is important that we encourage people to speak up and raise awareness within our communities.

“We are thrilled to be able to support Stoneham Bakehouse as they address the stigma around mental health and hope this provides more people with the confidence to speak up.”

Santander aims to help entrepreneurs and community groups to tackle social challenges and create positive local impact.

Eligible projects can seek help with up to £20,000 funding