I want to introduce the idea of baking as a form of mental and physical therapy to Hospitals and rehab centres. It will begin with spinal cord injured patients and hopefully in the future used for other disabilties. The end goal is to setup a social enterprise coffee shop that is staffed by spinal injured outpatients to reintegrate them into society and to give them support.
What skills and resources were you able to draw from the community for this project?
My social skills have improved from talking to the community online and also from talking to nurses, and doctors within the hospitals to try and get them on board. I have also had amazing support from my local gym which hosted a fundraiser for me to try and get baking within the hospitals. There is enough for an oven and equipment to start baking a wide range of bakes.
The challenges
The main aim is to help the recovery period of patients. At the moment therapy is very mundane and can be demotivating which can lead to a poorer recovery. Having baking introduced would hopefully motivate and satisfy patients during their therapy sessions. I am an outpatient of the spinal unit in Glasgow after suffering a spinal stroke. I needed to find my own therapy once I left hospital as I reached a real low point. Baking helped both mind and body and I believe that if it can help me then it can help others.
Addressing the challenges
I have setup an online community where people can come and communicate with each other and support each other. People with other disabilities have also seen what I have been doing and have taken up baking or have shared what they do for their own therapy. I am still trying to get it into hospitals in Glasgow but struggling with infection control due to it being food related.
The achievements
I have been able to inspire people from all over the world to try and take up baking as to see the therapeutic value. My main aim is to still get into hospitals and talk to OT's about the benefits of baking and to try a new form of therapy in their sessions.
Token Project / Move One Million
Johannesburg, South Africa