Supporting Mental Wellbeing

Each year around Christmas FirstLight Trust puts on a Festive Bake Off across their five Cafe Hubs. It is a chance for FirstLight colleagues to really show off their baking skills and compete (light competition I might add) to be crowned Star Baker!

The competition first takes place between colleagues in each locality where veterans and others in the community have the opportunity to indulge in the delicious creations and vote for their favourite. Then each Hub winner will take to Facebook where the general public vote for the winner across all Cafe Hubs.

Baking is deeply advantageous for improving mental health, with benefits including mindfulness, satisfaction and sensory pleasure. Baking enables those who struggle with depression and anxiety to delve into a focused activity occupying the mind and body.

 Some of the benefits baking can have on our mental health:

• It has meditative and calming qualities.
• It stimulates the senses which in turn increases feel-good endorphins.
• It is a creative activity; there are links between creative expression and overall wellbeing.
• It’s social activity that can open you up to the joy of giving and sharing.
• Baking boosts confidence and provides a sense of achievement.