Devon & Cornwall Police has handed over £500 to the St Ives Community Land Trust (SICLT) who have a group which delivers tasty treats to local isolated or lonely people.
During the COVID pandemic the volunteers baked cakes and offered a friendly face to the Carbis Bay area community. The Carbis Bay Bakers project started with the need to reach out and support people who may be isolated, vulnerable, or just missing their family but has continued to the present day.
Over the last four years, around 40 bakers have given up their time to make cakes and deliver them. The doorstep chats were crucial to keeping people connected at a time of national isolation. However, it was realised that isolation was the norm for many people, so the baking continued. More than 60 pieces of cake are delivered every two weeks in the St Ives area.
SICLT has funded this community project at the cost of £100 per month but previous grant funds such as the Cornwall Community Fund and Postcode Lottery Fund have now stopped.
The baking group has just received £500 from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) which diverts cash and assets from convicted criminals and hands funds over to community groups and good causes in Devon and Cornwall.
The money given to the trust will go towards baking equipment, ingredients and delivery costs so the group can continue to spread community spirit, along with the tasty treats.
Morag Robertson said: “We are always looking to create different fundraising activities and new sources of funding to sustain valued community projects like this. It gives St Ives Community Land Trust and this local support group in particular great encouragement to receive this support and funding from Devon & Cornwall Police.
This chance to continue to support local people came about from a conversation with St Ives Police Support Officer Terry Webb. It shows the importance of visible policing. Schemes such as ours bring communities together through these friendly encounters. We are delighted to receive this contribution towards the Carbis Bay Bakers.”
If anyone is interested in joining the baking or delivery team in Carbis Bay or knows of anyone who would appreciate a delivery of homemade cake twice a month please contact Dinky on 07814 574438.
For more information and updates about the work of the local police officers please follow Hayle and St Ives Police on Facebook. The photo shows some of the bakers and delivery team celebrating their 5,000th slice milestone with a piece of cake at a local café. Pictured are Dinky, Cath, Jan, Morna, Alexis, Jackie, and Penny.