Community Baking Session in Newport on Mental Health Day

Newport Support Network held a baking session led by their volunteer Philip Anderson to help citizens struggling with various mental health problems feel better.

According to latest data by Gwent Regional Partnership Board, 16.6 per cent of children aged five to 15 are predicted to face mental health problems.

Approximately 28 per cent of adults are struggling from common mental disorders, slightly above the Welsh average of 26 per cent.

Philip said that it is important to meet people without judgment or labels.

“Many people we meet have been through immense trauma. We don’t ask for diagnoses, we meet people the way they are,” he said.

Under his guidance and supervision, people struggling with various mental health problems such as ADHD, depression and neurodivergent behaviours baked bread, pizza pockets and enjoyed their time together at the Open Table and Pantry on Commercial Street in Newport.

He said: "Something as simple as making bread can lift someone’s spirit. It’s therapeutic and gives a chance to create, connect, and take pride in your work.”

Charity founder Tariq Khan said that it is very important to empower and build connections with people struggling with mental health problems.

“We’re not just giving out food, we’re giving out dignity, connection and sometimes a second chance,” he said.

His organisation has been successfully running various charity events like weekly soup kitchens, baby banks, clothing donations drive to help the community. They also help people get access to medical experts or just by lending a listening ear.

“We know people by name. Some of them come back and say, ‘You helped me when I had nothing, how can I help now?’ That’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Another member of the organisation, Rachel Clark said that often mental health problems pushes people into taking harmful steps like substance abuse and eventually falling into addiction. She said it is important that we do not judge such people.

“A lot of them get judged just because they use drugs or drink. But that’s how some of them cope with the pain or trauma they’ve been through. They're not just addicts. They're people trying to survive.”

On the World Mental Health Day, Philip said that mental health support cannot be limited to occasional awareness days.

“We’re not about gimmicks. Every day is mental health day here. The media attention may peak on one day, but people need support year-round.” 

For those struggling, he offers a straightforward invitation: “Just try. Come in for a day, try a session. We’ll support you in a safe, non-judgmental space. This could be your first step.”