Cakes, creatures and calmness - festive fun to support mental wellbeing
Published 11 December 2024
December saw Making Space, bring festive cheer to our Café Connect at the Connect Hub at our Head Office in Warrington with a day packed full of engaging activities designed to celebrate the season and promote mental wellbeing.
Café Connect hosted the event, which featured a lively bake sale and competition, an interactive animal experience, and a special mindfulness session focused on supporting mental health during the busy festive period.
The Baking Space event brought a delicious mix of competition and fundraising to the festivities, with bakers showcasing their creations to raise funds and vie for a coveted top-three spot in the bake-off. A special thanks goes to Mario Li from Monia’s Cakes, based in The Hive, for judging the bakes and generously providing prizes for the winners. Gratitude also goes to Wiltshire Farm Foods for donating an array of cakes to support the event. Our new fundraising partner, Marcus Edwards from Not Just Travel, joined in the fun, baking his way to second place with his irresistible Biscoff and Nutella muffins. The event was a resounding success, combining tasty treats with a great cause.
In another part of the building, the festive spirit took an adventurous turn with the ZooLab Christmas Experience, an interactive session that captivated volunteers, staff, and people supported by Making Space. Participants had the chance to meet a variety of fascinating creatures, including a 20-year-old Tarantula, a Frog, a Millipede, Hissing Cockroach, and a Corn Snake named Tango. The session was a hit, with everyone showing incredible bravery and engagement as they learned about the beauty and uniqueness of often-maligned animals. The event proved to be a popular highlight, offering a fun and educational experience for all.
For those seeking a moment of tranquillity amidst the festive buzz, Heather Arnold from Find Your Calm Sanctuary CIC led a relaxing pre-Christmas mindfulness session. The session provided practical strategies for supporting mental health during the holiday season, including calming breathing exercises, stress management tips, and techniques for finding moments of peace. Attendees left feeling refreshed and equipped with tools to navigate the often-hectic festive period with greater calm and clarity.
Making Space’s Corporate Fundraising Lead, Natalie Bargery, highlighted the importance of the charity’s Real Cost of Christmas campaign:
“All the money raised at our Baking Space events, which are happening at our projects across the country, will contribute to the campaign’s total. The campaign aims to highlight the hidden challenges the season can bring while raising vital funds to support those in need.
“We are dedicated to ensuring the people we support find joy during the festive season, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part – our bakers who made some amazing and tasty bakes, our judges, the business who supported and those who attended to make it a fun and successful event. Their generosity is truly making a difference.”
Baking Space events have been bringing communities together at Making Space schemes across the country. Locations hosting these events include Inspiring Minds in Preston, Rivacre House in Ellesmere Port, Bradford Carers Support Service, Rotherham Carers Support Service, Limes Place in Colne, Bolton Carers Support Service, Darlington Extra Care, Mill Court in Cheshire West, James House and David Street in Northwich, Richmond House in Accrington, Primrose Court and Preston New Road in Blackburn, Kingshill in Lowton, and The Academy in Warrington. Kicking off the month, a special event at the Village Hotel in Warrington raised £100 for the Real Cost of Christmas campaign.
Making Space’s Café Connect is conveniently located at 44 Allen Street, Warrington, WA2 7JB, just a short walk from Warrington town centre, the café is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, Sunday lunchtimes, and features extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays.
Café Connect offers delicious, affordable meals in a warm and inclusive environment, providing a welcoming space for relaxation, social interaction, and access to resources that support emotional and social wellbeing. As part of its commitment to reducing loneliness, Café Connect hosts The Chatty Café initiative. Chatter & Natter tables provide a friendly space where anyone can sit, chat, and connect with others. These sessions run every Wednesday, 10am-12midday and 1-3pm
To book events or Sunday lunches, call 07510 927169 or 01925 652204. Whether you’re looking for a friendly meal, fun community events, a chat, Café Connect is the perfect place to nurture mental wellbeing while enjoying great food.
Making Space invites everyone to support their Real Cost of Christmas campaign by participating in the festive raffle or donating to their initiatives. Click here for more information about Café Connect, the Connect Hub, and Making Space’s services.