Raising Dough CIC

05/06/2026

Volunteers’ Week – a quick thank you from Raising Dough CIC

We haven’t used volunteers since the end of November 2025 while we’ve been pivoting the business, but it’s a good moment to recognise the people who’ve supported us along the way.

Thanks to:

-The team who helped us at the British Street Food Awards last year
- Everyone who volunteered at markets and events, in the rain, in the wind, and in the sunshine!
- The brilliant crochet doughnut makers
- And those who have quietly supported us behind the scenes

You’ve all played a part in getting us to this point.

As we start to grow again, we’ll be looking for volunteers to support workshops with young people. This will require:

- Enhanced DBS check (we’ll cover the cost)
- Level 2 Food Safety (we’ll cover the cost)

If you’re interested, get in touch:
📧
📱 WhatsApp 07590 586245

28/05/2026

REFERRALS OPEN – PizzApprentice Programme (Sunderland)

Raising Dough CIC is now recruiting for our PizzApprentice Programme, a fully funded, small-group programme supporting young adults (18–30) experiencing mental health challenges and barriers to employment.

We are currently seeking referrals via partner organisations, including:

-GP practices / Social Prescribing Link Workers
- Work Well Coaches
- DWP / employability support services

🍕 About the programme:

8-week structured, supportive programme
-Hands-on pizza making and food skills
-Confidence building and routine
-Employability skills and real work experience
-Neurodiversity-affirming environment

Suitable for young adults (18-30) who:
-Are experiencing mental health challenges
- Are out of work or at risk of economic inactivity
- Would benefit from a small, supportive group environment

📍 Based in Southwick, Sunderland (limited places available)

Referrals must come via partner organisations

Please email: [email protected] to discuss or refer

We are keen to begin our next cohort shortly, so early referrals are very welcome.

08/05/2026

We’re on the move – and we’ve got some good news to share

Since February 2025, Raising Dough has been without a permanent base. While we’ve loved working out of different community spaces and delivering programmes wherever we could, the reality of being constantly on the move took its toll — especially on Jo and her health.

You might have noticed we’ve been a bit quieter on socials and have stepped back from markets and events for a while. That time was needed to regroup, recover, and figure out what a sustainable future for Raising Dough looks like.

And now… we’re really excited to say:
Raising Dough is moving into the new kitchen at Weights and Cakes CIC in Southwick.
We’ll be working alongside Zoe and the incredible community she supports, and we couldn’t ask for a better home for our next chapter.

From our new base we’re looking forward to:
•⁠ ⁠Running inclusive food workshops

•⁠ ⁠Working alongside young people in alternative education provision

•⁠ ⁠Giving our PizzApprentice programme a permanent home

•⁠ ⁠…and, of course, putting the CAKE back into Weights and Cakes

Thank you to everyone who’s supported us through a quieter season. We’re feeling grounded, hopeful, and ready to get stuck back in — with community, care, and good food at the heart of everything we do

Watch this space.

28/04/2026

This isn’t usually where we comment on policy, but this matters because it goes to the heart of why Raising Dough exists.

Raising Dough was set up to create real, supported routes into work for neurodivergent and disabled people. Our experience shows the system isn’t failing because people don’t want to work — it’s failing because the support meant to help people work doesn’t work as it should.

There’s a lot of talk right now about putting an “emergency handbrake” on sickness benefits. What’s missing is an honest conversation about why so many disabled people are locked out of employment in the first place.

Evidence shows Access to Work gives more back to the economy than it costs, yet in practice we see a system that is slow, inaccessible and poorly suited to flexible or non‑traditional roles. I personally know of two local CICs similar to Raising Dough where Access to Work has failed both the organisations and their disabled employees.

The barriers aren’t about motivation or capability. They’re about inflexible systems, late or missing support, and small organisations being left to cope while waiting for help.

When the right support is in place, employment can look different — and it works. That’s what Raising Dough is trying to build.

BBC article for context:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1krkdnwv1yo

10/04/2026

Congratulations to Sam at Cracked Bean Roastery on launching her coffee at Fenwick, Newcastle today.

A well‑earned step for Sam who puts real thought into ethically sourcing, and is passionate about helping people overcome the obstacles they face.

If you’re in Newcastle, head to Fenwick, try the coffee, and support an independent social enterprise business.

Cracked Bean Roastery

07/04/2026

Tuesday morning coffee shot. If you’ve not yet been, then check out .uk

01/04/2026

Autism Acceptance isn’t just a month — it’s a mindset.

And one of our favourite ways to explain it is through The Story of the Lazy Loaf.

In the story, all the other loaves judge Lazy Loaf for rising differently.

They think he’s “too slow,” “too lazy.”

But what they don’t see is that Lazy Loaf isn’t broken — he’s brilliantly built with his own way of growing. He rises in his own time, with his own rhythm, and brings something special to the table that no other loaf can.

For us, that’s what Autism Acceptance really means.
💛 No forcing.
💛 No fixing.
💛 No comparing one person’s pace to another’s.

It’s recognising that every person — autistic or not — rises best in the conditions that suit them.

Warmth, patience, sensory comfort, clear communication, and understanding.

When we create the right environment, people flourish.
Just like Lazy Loaf.

This April, let’s move beyond “awareness” and celebrate the beautiful, diverse, brilliant ways autistic people learn, grow, connect and rise.

Because the world needs more Lazy Loaves 💛

ps...we’ve heard a whisper that Fulwell Windmill is turning gold to help celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with the North East Autism Society. gogold WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth

01/04/2026

To start off our Autism Acceptance posts, we would like to share this short video from North East Autism Society

💛Autistic people don’t need to mask to be valued.

💛Masking often hides exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout — not lack of ability.

💛True acceptance means creating spaces where people can show up as themselves, without judgement.

💛 Let’s build those spaces together.

30/03/2026

How awesome is this 🤩. Hannah Graham Story Teller illustrated The Story of the Lazy Loaf.

You can buy copies on our web shop - link in the bio

I get lots of gifts sent in over at Propa Sunderland and here is one of them.

Hannah Graham Story Teller painting some moments from The Hairy Bikers route 66 episode 5 and 6 for me.

28/03/2026

Check out our sister page NEapolitan Style Pizza