Home-baking can warm hearts, start conversations and show others that you care.

Nothing says ‘I care’ quite like home-made. With three million Australians living with anxiety and depression, this simple statement can mean more than you know. Here at Brasserie Bread, we know baking is a gift that keeps on giving, and we are excited to announce our co-founder Michael Klausen as the 2016 Ambassador for Baking Our Blues Away!

Held every year on July 15, Baking Our Blues Away sees thousands fire up their ovens to warm hearts and homes with a philosophy of bake, share and care. They also partner with beyondblue to raise funds and awareness for depression and anxiety.

Michael has been baking sourdough bread for more than 25 years and shares this passion for food and education. He believes baking promotes happiness not only for others, but also for ourselves.

‘I often see the joy and happiness in children’s eyes when they stick their little hands into soft, velvet dough,’ Michael says. ‘I see adults from all walks of life get grounded and relaxed when hand-kneading dough. The beauty of creating one of the most gratifying and heart-warming types of food is that it keeps on giving.’

Join us on July 15 to treat someone doing it tough. For baking inspiration, ideas and Michael’s delicious Banana Bread recipe see here. If you’ve got the passion but not the time, you can grab a fresh-baked treat at one of our bakeries.

A little baking and a little conversation can go a long way.

For more information about depression and anxiety, read more on beyondblue.