Prepare for Cake Off!
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The 2019 PANDSI Cake Off, that is! The theme of World Cultures in Cake is set to take the event to the next level.
Are you a keen baker looking for a challenge? PANDSI needs you for their 2019 Cake Off.
The 2019 theme of World Cultures in Cake is set to take the Cake Off to the next level, with the help of Canberra’s best bakers who will auction off their incredible cakes up on Saturday 5 May. The annual event raises essential funds for PANDSI, a unique perinatal anxiety and support organisation based in Canberra.
PANDSI provides accredited perinatal mental health support to clients from pregnancy until their youngest child reaches two years of age. This support is delivered via telephone, email and a range of in-person programs tailored to provide mental, emotional and physical benefits to those experiencing perinatal depression and/or anxiety.
“PANDSI punches well above its weight for a small community mental health service by working directly mums and partners in need we can usually prevent any escalation of problems, and help people along their pathway to wellness,” explains CEO Yvonne Luxford.
But on top of the important support PANDSI has offered to the Canberra community for over three decades, there is always more work to be done.
“There are at least 750 families in Canberra struggling with perinatal mental health issues,” says Yvonne. “Currently, we can only reach around half of the families who would benefit from our help.
“Many may not even realise that the problem is depression or anxiety; they might just be wondering why they don’t feel they are coping well with parenting.”
Yvonne believes events like the PANDSI Cake Off also help to break down the stigma new parents can face when they are struggling with their mental health.
“The more that we can talk openly about these issues the more comfortable people will feel in seeking help,” she explains. “It also means that the community as a whole will have a greater understanding of the need to support people, which is so important when people are returning to work or just adjusting to the local playgroup.”
In recent years, the Cake Off has impressed crowds with themes like the classic Women’s Weekly birthday cakes and iconic Canberra landmarks. However, there’s also a serious side to this year’s theme. According to PANDSI, the 32% of Canberrans who were born overseas may face additional language and cultural barriers to seeking help with their mental health.
“Imagine if your community or partner simply couldn’t comprehend your struggle because the very concept of perinatal mental health problems was not accepted or understood, or if you couldn’t express what you were experiencing in English,” says Yvonne.
“We would love to help the Government with a broad awareness-raising campaign for diverse communities across Canberra. In the meantime, PANDSI focuses on listening to people’s specific needs and situations, and can make interpreters available if needed.”
Peking Duk cake from the 2017 PANDSI Cake Off
When it comes to baking though, Yvonne knows Canberra is up to the task.
“I could destroy the simplest sponge cake so I leave that to the people with skill. I have been known to whip up a pretty yummy raspberry jam though, so maybe I could help with fillings!”
Nominations for a place to show off your baking skills for a good cause are open now. There are only 50 spots available for bakers, so get in quick! Tickets for the Cake Off will go on sale closer to the event.
the essentials
What: PANDSI Cake Off 2019 – World Cultures in Cake!
When: Sunday 5 May from 2pm
Where: The Hyatt Hotel Canberra Ballroom
Website: www.pandsi.org
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