Words by Smiley Team
The number of home bakers in the UK has soared since the first lockdown was announced, with sales of flour alone more than doubling and 51 per cent of the population saying they have spent more time baking.
But the number of people feeling lonely and isolated has also increased dramatically.
Bake and Take is a community project in Clerkenwell, central London, which aims to connect the two.
Residents who enjoy baking get together weekly on a Zoom video call and bake that week’s goodies.
The recipe is decided in advance by the host baker, everyone measures out their ingredients before the session starts and the host takes the group through the recipe step by step.
While the bakes are in the oven the group have a cup of tea and a chat, and discuss what to bake next week and who will lead the session.
The treats are then delivered to members of the community - bake buddies - who may be feeling isolated or lonely and have said they would appreciate a home-baked treat and a socially-distanced chat.
Baker Natasha Blok has seen how much the scheme helps both the people who receive the goodies, and the people who bake them.
She said: "One of my highlights of lockdown has been being part of Bake and Take. I’ve been getting to know my neighbours better with regular Zoom baking sessions, distanced picnics and foraging walks in summer and a supportive group in between sessions.
“That’s been partnered with experimenting with new recipes and building my confidence by leading bakes in a supportive atmosphere and doing good.
“It's all been win win for both sides."
The scheme was set up at the end of April and supported by The Peel, a charity based in Clerkenwell who aim to bring the community together through running projects like Bake and Take.
Bakes so far have included Bakewell cookies, Black Forest brownies and cheese and chive scones.
Appreciative recipients have seen the benefits too, with bake buddy Ann commenting: “I’ve been fortunate to be a bake buddy during in this dismal time and I’ve relished the variety of the baked offerings and also getting to know new people.
“I’ve been living alone in self isolation since the 23rd March and the delivery of a variety of cakes and biscuits every fortnight is something to look forward to and to enjoy.
“Tasting new flavours and textures has brought unexpected excitement, and the variety and professional presentation is unparalleled. Thank you very much.”
If you’d like to find out more, know someone who could become a baker or someone who would appreciate a baking delivery, then find out more at the Bake and Take Facebook Page.
