The Depressed Cake Shop comes to Essex this August!

Local cake business BuBakes is hosting an event on Sunday, August 7th to raise money for Mind and Help the Heroes, and to raise awareness of mental health issues.On Sunday, August 7th , the County Cricket Ground in Chelmsford will play host to The Depressed Cake Shop, organised by Liz Fox of local cake company BuBakes to raise money for Mind and Help the Heroes.

Liz, who suffered a breakdown in 2014 and was subsequently diagnosed with anxiety and depression, left her job to found cake business BuBakes: for her, The Depressed Cake Shop is a perfect fit.

“For me, baking and cake decorating help to ease my anxiety symptoms”, says Liz. “I’m so pleased to have found a job that allows me to continue to work as well as helping me to feel better.”  “I’m excited about hosting The Depressed Cake Shop here in Chelmsford – I’m hoping that it will give those concerned about mental health a safe haven to talk openly and for the public to find out more about mental health issues, all while enjoying some delicious cakes and knowing that the proceeds are going to a good cause.”

One in four people will be affected by a mental health issue at some point during their lifetime – either by being diagnosed themselves or by having a loved one diagnosed with a mental health issue. The Depressed Cake Shop is a global grass roots organisation, committed to raising awareness of mental health organisations and to raising money for local organisations working in this space.

Initially founded by Emma Thomas in 2013, The Depressed Cake Shop revolves around the simple act of baking and selling baked goods to raise both awareness and funds: the one stipulation is that these tasty treats must be grey (but can have a splash of colour to represent hope). Although Emma is no longer involved, the reins have been taken up by a group known as “The Depressed Cake Shop Co-Conspirators”, who continue to spread the word. Liz is delighted to have been named as the newest Co-Conspirator.

The Depressed Cake Shop event will take place from 11am to 5pm on Sunday, August 7th , at the County Cricket Ground in Chelmsford. The trademark Depressed Cake Shop grey bakes will take centre stage, and there will be a number of activities – including a raffle, face painting and more – taking place on the day. All proceeds from the event will be split between mental health charity Mind, and UK military charity Help for Heroes.

Liz publishes regular blog posts on her BuBakes website: posts that cover both cakes and mental health. Since founding BuBakes, she’s had huge success in both fields: depression sufferer Stephen Fry endorsed one mental health blog post, Michel Roux Jr favourably critiqued a BuBakes cake on Great British Bake Off – Extra Slice, and BuBakes reached the final of the 2016 North Essex  Business Awards!