A HOVE community bakery which works to support those with mental health issues through therapeutic work 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 deliver projects that improve communities and help disadvantaged people to have confidence in the future.

Stoneham Bakehouse - based in Stoneham Road, Hove - 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 their new premises with ovens and baking equipment, helping them to reach more people in need and run more community sessions.

Stoneham Bakehouse CIC is a community supported bakery based in the Poets’ Corner area of Hove.

The bakery has been running for two years baking only through the help of volunteers on a ‘bake to order’ basis.

The programme works in the community to share the therapeutic nature of making bread.

Director Simon Cobb 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 local 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.”

The new Changemaker Fund, www.crowdfunder.co.uk/changemaker, is part of Santander’s community programme,

The Discovery Project aims to inspire people to have confidence in the future through projects that build skills, grow knowledge and support innovation.

By working together with Crowdfunder, Santander aims to enable entrepreneurs and community groups to tackle social challenges and create positive local impact.

Eligible projects seeking funding of up to £20,000 and focused on skills, knowledge and innovation that get the crowd’s backing will receive half f their funding requirement from Santander to ensure the enterprise reaches its target.

As well as access to the £200,000 matched funding from Santander, projects will benefit from crowdfunding team specialists.