A Southampton community bakery that is the commercial venture for a charity in the city is celebrating its third official anniversary this month by offering visitors free birthday cake.
CommuniBakes in Shirley was taken over in 2021 to solely support the charity Communicare, which is dedicated to eradicating loneliness and isolation in Southampton and was officially launched in 2022.
Amanda Worton-Griffiths, Manager at CommuniBakes, which is at 21, St James Road, says:
“To help mark our birthday we’re going to offer the first 30 people through our door from 8.30am on Thursday, January 30, 2025, a free slice of our birthday cake, which is a decorated vanilla sponge with jam and buttercream filling. We’ve chosen the 30th and 30 people, as 2021, coincided with Communicare’s 30th anniversary as a charity. The 30 slices will be given away on a first come first served basis, no purchase necessary, while stocks last. There’s one slice per person only and, sorry, no alternatives are available.
“The profit from each and every tea or coffee, elevenses, lunch or afternoon treat customers purchase from us goes to Communicare to support the incredible work its staff and volunteers do in our neighbourhood and across Southampton. Shopping with us means you’re buying both locally and socially. So, when you shop with us, you can be confident you’re not only eating something sensational but also giving back to your community.”
As well as supporting Communicare, the bakery’s other main aim is to make as much as it can on the premises.
Amanda continues:
“We put a lot of hard work, love and passion into what we produce, and the proof really is in the eating! In the last three years, our opening hours have extended, events have been hosted, we’ve put tables on the pavement outside for customers to sit at and our team has grown.
“We employ two bakers, as well as having a crew of great counter assistants. We also now offer a diverse selection of breads, cakes and other baked treats to keep hungry breakfast, brunch, lunchtime and teatime customers happy. Plus, you can now pre-order from us by calling and collecting instore. We’re also working on having more of our products on our website for online ordering to collect instore too.
“But more than that, everything we make and bake helps raise funds for Communicare and its work in our neighbourhood and across the city, assisting people who are lonely and in need of support. Through their Good Neighbours network and multigenerational befriending initiatives, they help people live their best lives, rather than just existing.”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of lonely and isolated people in and around Southampton.
Annie Clewlow, Communicare’s Manager, says:
“It’s been a wonderful official first three years with our community bakery and we’re delighted with how things have gone. We wanted to create a community hub, as well as offer great products at a good price. We’re very proud of our bakery team and what they have achieved so far.
“Our services are a vital lifeline to lonely and isolated people in the city and having the bakery as an additional revenue stream has helped us tremendously. We’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has popped in during the past 36 months and purchased some bread or a delicious, sweet treat.”
Communicare is currently supporting more than 750 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping and always needs more donations and volunteers to help with its work.
Annie adds:
“The current economic climate means we need support from CommuniBakes and public donations more than ever before. Every penny we receive goes towards making someone’s life better. We need more volunteers too.
“If you ever have a spare hour, or so, each week, then we’d love to hear from you, as we always need more befrienders. The experience could also benefit you, as many of our Communiteers say how much volunteering has enhanced their lives, as well as those they befriend and assist. We can be flexible and work around your other commitments. Please get in touch via 023 8250 0050 or volunteer@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.”
CommuniBakes was purchased to help raise funds for Communicare in 2021 and is a separate limited company. Any profits it makes go to the charity.
For further details about CommuniBakes, which is at 21, St James Road in Shirley, please pop in when it’s open or visit its website https://communibakes.co.uk/