Care home in Bedfordshire town uses its loaf to unite residents and families

An Ampthill care home has unveiled an online artisan bakery to help connect residents with their loved ones this winter.

Residents at Richmond Manor Care Home, in Dunstable Street, will be able to see their loved ones and bake together via video calls as well as take expert classes from artisan Master Bakers.

The Well Bread Bakery sessions will also teach ‘mindful baking’ to help residents relax and learn basic mindfulness techniques, as well as dementia-friendly sessions to stimulate the senses.

Resident Barbara Aggatt said she was really enjoying exploring new recipes and making bread together with her family and grandchildren on video calls.

She said: “The bakery is a lovely initiative. I can do it with my friends here who have all different kinds of recipes – or I can bake with my family over video. The smell of baking bread always puts a smile on my face.”

So far, the bakery has started with recipes such as Irish soda bread, brioche with Camembert, sultana and walnut loaf and rosemary soda bread.

Fiona Smith, Richmond Manor home manager, said The Well Bread Bakery was a real feel-good activity that not only helped residents stay connected with family and friends but had great therapeutic benefits too.

She said: “Bread making is one of those activities that makes you feel good on so many levels – as a social activity with family and friends, learning new skills and recipes and it can also be really relaxing.

“Our residents love taking part in the bakery, especially on the video calls with their families and the grandchildren love it too

“We’re fortunate that we’ve been able to ensure that all residents have regular visits with their families in our Covid-secure lounge, but this adds another hobby or pastime dimension to that. Plus there’s a delicious loaf of artisan bread to eat when you’re finished.”

For more information about the bakery visit here