You are feeling down, can't think straight and are really not up to working to your normal high standards, so you need to ring your boss and call in sick.  What do you say?

If you dodge the dilemma and go into work regardless or find another reason, then it's maybe because you, like so many others in this situation, are reluctant to tell your boss exactly how you feel - such is the stigma attached to mental ill health.

CrossReach, one of the leading providers of social care in Scotland, is recruiting an army of bakers to organise cake sales with a difference to raise awareness of mental health issues.  Grey cakes like the one on our cover photo and in the gallery photos - vibrant and colourful on the inside but with their true splendour hidden by a dull grey topping.  Just like how it might feel for someone who is affected by mental health problems.

With the Cross Reach Grey Cake Campaign, we're saying "Stick it to Stigma". Our bakers are seeing to that.  If you're keen to join them, then please visit www.crossreach.org.uk/crossreach-grey-cakes to order your Grey Cake Bake Toolkit.  

Can't bake, won't bake?  Then please support the baker who has linked their page to this one or donate here to all our bakers so that CrossReach's counselling and other support services can break down the barriers for those who need our support. 

£5 could buy enough tea and coffee for a whole week to welcome people attending our counselling centres

£40 could fund a counselling session for a Mum affected by post-natal depression or anxiety

£70 could allow an entire family to be offered counselling

Your support counts.  Let's together break down the barriers to positive mental health.