Patient and Staff Bake-Off for NHS Big Tea 2026
Patients and staff on Pine Ward at Hollins Park Hospital rolled up their sleeves and got baking as part of celebrations for the NHS Big Tea, marking 78 years of the NHS and 25 years of Mersey Care.
The baking sessions were organised to give patients the opportunity to take part in a meaningful and enjoyable activity while contributing to the NHS birthday celebrations. The cakes were then sold in a bake sale to support Mersey Cares’ NHS Big Tea fundraiser, with patients visiting from wards along with community patients, family and friends. Two of the patients who baked cakes also assisted with running the stall and supporting staff with the bake sale.
Explaining the purpose of the activity, Occupational Therapist Tabitha Dorlin-Barlow said:
"The therapeutic purpose of involving patients in the NHS Big Tea is to promote motivation, social interaction and inclusion, while developing and maintaining processing and motor skills. Most importantly, it's about creating opportunities for enjoyment."
Tabitha added that there was a positive and relaxed atmosphere throughout the sessions, with staff and patients chatting, listening to music and enjoying spending time together.
"All of the cakes sold at the event were homemade by colleagues and patients," said Tabitha. "Nothing was shop bought, which made the event even more special."
Ready, steady, BAKE!
Patients attended baking groups throughout the morning, with activities tailored to individual abilities and support needs. There were also some one-to-one sessions in the afternoon.
One patient worked alongside Occupational Therapy staff to make the brownies, while another independently baked a school cake. The activity also encouraged teamwork, with two further patients teaming up to make scones.
Cakes, teamwork and showstoppers!
One of the patients, who has been in hospital for a while, enjoyed their one-to-one session and was proud of their achievements, sharing, “I made some brownies and cupcakes, they were delicious and I was happy to share them at the Big Tea. I would recommend people to bake as it is fun, and it can change people’s perspectives because it shows that cooking and baking is not too difficult.”
Another patient showcased their baking skills by independently creating a Victoria sponge "showstopper", which they decorated on the morning of the NHS Big Tea sale. As well as baking the cake, the patient played an active role in the event itself, helping to run the stall by recording sales and welcoming visitors.
Reflecting on the experience, they said:
"I really enjoyed baking and I'm confident in the kitchen thanks to previous experience. I made a Victoria sponge which sold out very quickly.
!I also helped at the stall, recording sales and interacting with members of the public, colleagues and other patients. It was really nice to be involved."
The patient said taking part gave them a real sense of achievement and pride.
"I feel a sense of accomplishment after preparing the cake for the Big Tea and would definitely recommend others give baking a go."
Reconnecting with everyday activities
For some patients, the baking sessions offered more than just an opportunity to make treats for the NHS Big Tea. They provided a chance to reconnect with everyday life skills, share experiences with others, and enjoy spending time together in a relaxed and supportive environment.
One patient reflected on the positive impact the activity had on them, saying:
"Participating in the baking helped remind me of times when I was home catering for myself. Cooking with other people was nice to be sociable. I think more patients should be involved, and I think we should have events more often."
Positive feedback all-round
The enthusiasm and feedback from those involved reflected the positive difference that these types of activities can make, supporting wellbeing while bringing people together around a shared purpose. As staff and patients celebrated 78 years of the NHS and 25 years of Mersey Care, the sessions also helped support Mersey Cares' fundraising efforts, raising money for projects that make a difference to patients, service users and colleagues across the Trust.
Reflecting on the event, Tabitha shared:
“Overall, we got a sense that the patients enjoyed being a part of the Big Tea Team and all were happy with their achievements. There was a real sense of community and team spirit throughout and all enjoyed working towards the goal with a great result.”
A huge thank you from Mersey Cares!
Thank you to everyone who baked, bought and ate these delicious creations – supporting Mersey Cares to bring more projects to life across Cheshire and Merseyside mental health and community services.