Our Mission
For over a decade, we have used baking as a tool to empower the UK’s most disadvantaged women; enabling them to gain employment and independence through training, support and community. By empowering women, you are not only changing individual lives but transforming their communities.
Meet Jameela
Somebody wants to share their story with you. Meet Jameela (name changed), a Luminary graduate.
"Before Luminary I was shunned by most of my family and friends (bar one). I also had nowhere to live. This was an incredibly painful time that no one will understand unless they’ve lived it. To go from that, to actually making baked goods that people spend money on, is unbelievable. I got some of my pride back but it will take years to heal completely."
Help us support women like Jameela who was trafficked into modern day slavery at a young age by someone she trusted. Although she eventually escaped after several years of being held against her will, the trauma of her experience dramatically impacted her day-to-day living. A key factor in women's lives is a perpetrator having taken their power and control. Economic dependency is a major barrier preventing them leaving an abusive relationship and gaining independence.
More than a bakery
"Luminary is more than a bakery; it is a community and a sign of hope for so many. Meeting women experiencing extreme poverty, disadvantage, and violence was the inspiration for starting Luminary.
Too often, violence and trauma isolate us from community, when that is the very thing we need the most. Every woman has shown immense courage to survive her circumstances alone, but it is only when others embrace her that she can really start to fulfill her potential." Founder, Alice Williams
Today we are celebrating 10 years of impact. Over the decade, we have transformed over 200 lives, supporting them out of the darkest situations into new futures.
Having successfully transformed the lives of over 200 women, we now face crucial challenges. The escalating cost of living has put additional financial strain on our mission, affecting daily operations and resources. However, our resolve to unleash the potential of more women remains strong.
We need to do more. We want to do more. We can’t do it without YOU.
Visit us in London:
Camden Cafe & Bakery
47 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AJ
9am to 5pm: 7 days a week
Hackney Cafe & Bakery
71-73 Allen Road, Stoke Newington, London N16 8RY
8am to 4pm: 7 days a week
Or order delivery online:
https://luminarybakery.com/