Baking for Wellbeing courses bring people together to improve wellbeing and build community while learning a new skill. Led by Mark Ahier, the courses are for all abilities from complete novices to the more experienced to bake together in a fun and inclusive environment.

I’m Mark, I live in Wymondham and I run Baking for Wellbeing!

I have a strong interest in mental health, having had episodes of anxiety and depression throughout my adult life. I’ve had lots of support over the years and have learnt a lot about myself and how to manage my mental health.

One of the things that helps me is baking. At my lowest, I had very little confidence so even shopping was a struggle. Having a list of ingredients and instructions to follow really helped. As I baked, my confidence grew. I found anything I can lose myself in helps me to relax. Learning a new skill showed me that I could change how I was thinking.  I now experiment a bit more in my baking. It doesn’t always go right but I’ve learnt that doesn’t matter!

We have just launched a new CrowdFunder to allow us to expand into delivering basic cooking lessons alongside the existing Baking for Wellbeing sessions. We are also hoping to raise enough money to allow us to be a hub for collecting unwanted kitchen equipment and distributing to those that would otherwise be unable to afford it so they can cook and bake for themselves and others at home.

If you make a pledge, there are great rewards available! Please help us to share this and spread the word.

Book a place

Want to try your hand at baking? Get in touch to book your place! Email team@theshoebox.org.uk or call us on 01603 850309.

Volunteering

These fantastic sessions couldn’t happen without our wonderful team of volunteers. We aren’t currently recruiting volunteers but you can sign up for updates on volunteer opportunities here.