Support us to help others - Cost of Living 2024

This is a 2:1 match funding opportunity for Big River Bakery! 

Everything up to £150 will be double by Access - The Foundation for Social Investment. This means that if someone pledges £150, it is actually worth a whopping £450 to us. Equally, a £15 donation would be worth £45! This is a very rare and exciting opportunity for us, so please do give what you can and share, share, share.

Join Us in Nourishing Our Community

At Big River Bakery, we're not just about baking bread; we're about breaking barriers and building a stronger, more inclusive society. Our bakery isn't just a business—it's a social enterprise committed to providing support, opportunities, and delicious food for all.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Who We Are

We're more than just a bakery. We're a beacon of hope for our community, employing 16 individuals at a real living wage, with a quarter of our team representing the neuro-diverse and those facing mental health challenges. By creating meaningful employment opportunities, we're not only baking bread but also baking brighter futures.

Our Mission

Big River Bakery operates as a commercial not-for-profit enterprise, ensuring that every pound earned beyond covering our expenses goes right back into the community. With approximately £50,000 annually dedicated to providing support, we're committed to reducing the equality gap and fostering a sense of belonging for all.

What We Do

• Daily Free Food: We believe everyone deserves access to nourishing meals. That's why we offer daily free food for those in need.
• Free Wednesday Lunches: A warm meal can make a big difference. Every Wednesday, we serve up free lunches to anyone who walks through our doors.
• Community Baking Sessions: From kneading dough to decorating cookies, our free baking sessions welcome individuals of all ages and abilities to come together, learn new skills, and build connections.
• Well-being Workshops: We understand the importance of mental and emotional well-being. That's why we host free creative arts-based workshops to promote healing and self-expression.
• Kindness Cookies: Spread kindness with our weekly free UK-wide Kindness Cookie initiative, reminding people that a small act of generosity can make a big impact.
• Affordable Food: Keeping the cost of food in our shop as low as possible ensures that everyone can afford to eat well and enjoy our delicious offerings.
• Promoting Heritage: Celebrating our cultural roots, we honor National Stottie Cake Week, showcasing the rich heritage of our beloved baked goods.

Join Our Movement

By supporting Big River Bakery, you're not just buying bread; you're investing in a more equitable and compassionate world. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry and that everyone has a seat at the table.

How You Can Help

Your contribution, whether big or small, can make a world of difference. Join us in our mission to nourish communities, foster inclusion, and promote kindness. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future, one loaf of bread at a time.

Thank You