Bramber Bakehouse Turns Ten

Ten years ago, Bramber Bakehouse was born from a simple but powerful belief: food, connection and community can help rebuild lives. A decade later, we gathered with the people who have shaped our journey to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together and to look forward to all that’s still to come.

On Wednesday 29th October, Brighton Dome opened its doors to welcome 100 partners, friends, trustees, staff, volunteers and funders for an evening of gratitude, reflection and inspiration.

One of the proudest moments of the night was the launch of our new photobook TEN: Portraits of Resilience – a moving tribute to ten incredible women who have journeyed through our programmes over the last decade.

Created in collaboration with photographer Sarah Weal, artist Julia Smith and storyteller Katherine Maxwell-Jones from iMix, the project captures the strength, softness, courage and complexity of resilience. These portraits honour each woman’s unique story and shine a light on how empowerment grows when women are offered a safe space, community and opportunity.

The photobook debuted at the event, where guests had the opportunity to explore the stories behind each portrait and meet some of the creative team behind the project.

Our 10th anniversary celebration was made possible thanks to our long-standing partners and supporters. Guests enjoyed drinks from HOLOS Kombucha and the event was generously sponsored by IMEX, HNW Architects, and Vail Williams, organisations who’ve stood alongside us for many years.

From the beautifully curated food prepared by our own social enterprise to the vibrant energy of the Brighton Dome, the atmosphere reflected the heart of Bramber Bakehouse.

A highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring:

• Lucy Butt, CEO of Bramber Bakehouse
• Sarah Woodcock, CEO of the Anti-Slavery Collective
• Wumi, Bramber Bakehouse Graduate & Lived Experience Consultant

Together, they explored the complexity of resilience, reminding us that resilience looks different for everyone and that every step forward, no matter how small, deserves recognition.

The panel also emphasised the crucial importance of embedding lived experience into organisations and businesses. From inclusive recruitment practices to ensuring survivors can find their first step onto the ladder, the conversation urged every organisation present to reflect on the role they can play in creating accessible, supportive employment pathways.

We also took an important moment to say thank you to Frances Duncan, who has chaired Bramber Bakehouse for the last three years. Frances played a transformative role in strengthening our governance structure and guiding us through pivotal moments of growth.

While stepping down as Chair, she will thankfully remain a trustee. We were also delighted to announce that Gabi Field, Deputy Director of Public Fundraising at Great Ormond Street Hospital, will step into the role of Chair from 1st December 2025.

This anniversary was all about our community.
The partners who believed in us.
The volunteers who gave their time.
The funders who championed our mission.
The staff who built programmes with heart.
And, most importantly, the women whose courage and brilliance continue to inspire everything we do.

Together, we looked back at all that has been achieved: thousands of hours of baking, learning, mentoring, connection and celebration. We reflected on the growth of our services, the expansion of our social enterprise and the community who’ve held stood alongside us.

As we step into our second decade, we do so with boldness and clarity. We are committed to deepening our impact, reaching more women and continuing to challenge the systems which limit opportunities for survivors of exploitation, abuse and displacement.

The launch of TEN: Portraits of Resilience marks the beginning of this new chapter – a reminder of how far we’ve come and the stories that will continue to lead us forward.