‘The wait is over! A year in the making and baking, the hvoss book ‘Baking a Difference’, has arrived in glorious technicolour. A book that celebrates all we have overcome. A historical record of a very different year and way of working, with moving personal lockdown stories from 13 participants of the Building Better Opportunities Project, matched with practical, fun baking recipes, photos and paintings.
‘This book really captures the passion and enthusiasm of everyone taking part- awe inspiring personal stories and lovely bakes – a winner!’ Suzanne Penny hvoss Trustee.
The book is A4 size, in large print and also available in Braille. At £10 a copy and all the proceeds supporting hvoss, it’s great value and reflects our collaborative and empowering way of working throughout lockdown.
We are pleased to announce the Book Launch is being held on Saturday 25th September at the hvoss offices at 52, Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9AB, between 11am and 1pm. You are welcome to come and meet everyone involved in the book, buy your own personalised signed copy, meet our staff, volunteers and find out about hvoss, volunteering and the BBO project, at our recently refurbished office. In the meantime, if you would like to order a copy, please contact hvoss or email us directly.
Mandy Furniss, who leads the BBO Herefordshire Project at hvoss, said “This has been a challenging time for everyone on the project and many people were isolated, shielding and living alone throughout the pandemic, with a range of physical and mental health challenges. During the first national lockdown we moved activities online, offering employability workshops, individual and group support, along with virtual social events, encouraging people to learn new skills and keep connected. One of the ways we found to do this was through our weekly baking workshops, which developed into a positive and fun way to support each other and bake a difference. At the start many people had never baked before, were not IT literate, and several are blind, so we found new ways of working together. ‘Baking a difference’ celebrates all we have overcome, highlights the challenges faced for so many over lockdown and our continued commitment to promote mental well-being and ease feelings of social isolation.”
BBO Herefordshire works with people aged 19+ years, across Herefordshire, who are experiencing multiple barriers, resulting in social exclusion. The project empowers participants to gain skills and develop confidence through intensive personalised support, to move towards and into employment. It also provides access to a wide and diverse range of
volunteering opportunities, enabling more disadvantaged people to move into further education or training, having acquired basic skills, increased confidence and motivation. The project is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
More information about hvoss and the BBO Project Herefordshire can be found at www.hvoss.org.uk, phone: 01432 343932 or email bbo@hvoss.org.uk.
