Vivo helps bake treats for Lion Salt Works visitors

Hazel and other people accessing Vivo Care Choices’ services take part in weekly baking sessions at Lion Salt Works, so visitors can enjoy treats at the museum café.

Vivo, an in-house service at Cheshire West and Chester Council, supports people with learning disabilities and autism, as well as older people and those with dementia.

A group of people from Vivo have been visiting Lions Salt Works, a restored, historic, open-pan salt making site near Northwich, a couple of times each week to bake.

The project has helped people with learning disabilities and autism gain new skills and become more independent, with the baked goods adding to the experience for visitors at Lion Salt Works.

After beginning with a handful of baked goods, the group from Vivo is now producing a wider range of products, such as sausage rolls and other pastries, and taking personalised orders.

Hazel, who accesses Vivo’s learning disability day services and is part of the team at Lion Salt Works, said:

“The atmosphere is very good with the clients and staff.

“First of all when we went to Lion Salt Works, we didn’t know where everything was, but now all the staff and clients are working in a baking place, doing all the cakes.

“We’re glad to be there to help them and bring the food downstairs.

“If anyone wants to come along, if they’re walking down the river, they can come in, have a brew, meet friends and socialise with everybody.”

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council, added:

“This is a fantastic initiative being run by Vivo and our Museums team.

“It’s wonderful to see the positive outcomes it’s having for Hazel and the other group members and all the new things they’re learning.

“The baked treats have been very popular since this project started and the demand for their baking skills is increasing all the time.

“I’d encourage people to visit Lion Salt Works, see what the museum has to offer and try some of the treats baked by the group from Vivo.”

For more information about Vivo and the range of services it provides, visit: vivocarechoices.co.uk.

Lion Salt Works is open from 10.30am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm, from Tuesday to Sunday.

Cakes can be purchased up until five minutes before closing.

Visit the website: 

lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Pictured - This baking project has created many opportunities for people supported by Vivo Care Choices.