Case Study
From one of our trainees
“It happened out of the blue. I was going home from work one day. I was in Leeds market and I knew I just had to get home. I thought I was going to pass out. I didn’t feel right. I jumped in a taxi and my anxiety calmed a little. It was a panic attack. It got to the point where I was scared to go out, in case it happened again. That triggered the agoraphobia. With staying in as much as I did, I started drinking. I’d drink alone and throughout the day. I’d wake up the following morning, feeling terrible and I’d start all over again. I became an alcoholic.
Over a number of years, I was able to detox and come out of that situation. But I was left with mental health issues. It was when I was at 5 WAYS recovery clinic that I met Clare and Emma (Founders of The Wren Bakery). I can cook but I’d never baked. I would never have thought that something like baking could lift me like it has. My family has seen such a difference in me. It’s been the best thing that’s ever, ever happened to me in my life. I feel more energised, like I have a focus. When I put pictures of things I’ve baked up on Facebook my family don’t believe I’ve made them. It’s been life-changing. I felt like I was just existing before, but now I feel like I’m living!”.
Your Support Changes Lives
Every year The Wren Bakery supports women who are rebuilding their lives after addiction, domestic abuse and long-term unemployment.
Thanks to our supporters:
65% of women move into employment after completing the programme
80% remain in recovery two years later
100% report improved wellbeing and confidence
Your support helps women to regain independence, stability and hope.
Ways you can support us
Every donation helps create meaningful change.
Whether you give once or become a regular supporter, your contribution helps provide the practical support that women need to rebuild their lives.
£10
Helps with travel expenses
A £10 donation helps cover travel costs so a trainee can attend the bakery each week and stay connected to the programme.
£20
Sharing a meal together
Sharing lunch together each week is an important part of our programme.
Your donation helps provide meals that create space for conversation, trust and connection helping women feel safe, supported and part of a community again.
£50
Workshops
Recovery and confidence building take time.
Your donation helps fund wellbeing workshops that support trainees to develop resilience, self-belief and the skills needed to move forward in life and work.
£30
Our Training Base
Our bakery is more than a workplace, it’s a safe space for women to learn, grow and rebuild confidence.
£30 helps cover the costs of running our training base for a session.
£100
Barista Training
A £100 gift helps fund barista training for one of our trainees, equipping her with practical, employable skills and opening doors to opportunities in the hospitality industry.