I am delighted to be in the kitchen, baking to mark a particularly special occasion; the children’s charity Place2Be’s 18th birthday!

And I would love it (and worship at your shrines) if, to show your support, you would join me in taking part in Place2Be’s glorious Big Birthday Bake Off which runs throughout September and October!

Over the past 18 years Place2Be has been working tirelessly in schools across the UK, giving children vital counselling support to help them deal with a wide range of issues and to help them grow up into healthy, confident people. People with prospects; rather than problems.

As the daughter of a parent with mental health and addiction issues and as a mother myself, I hold the work of Place2Be very dear to my heart. The charity helps children to cope with worries on every level, from concerns about friendships and bullying, to bereavement, family breakdown, domestic violence and trauma.

It is deeply important for children to know that they have someone they can talk to, and more importantly, someone who will listen. Because it is based in schools, Place2Be is there to support children when they need it. However, it doesn’t stop there, Place2Be still needs your ongoing support so they can reach more children who are vulnerable.

So please, will you join me in getting your oven gloves out and baking your own gorgeous creation that you can sell to everyone you know (and some you don’t!) to help raise much needed funds for the lovely people at Place2Be? Their work really makes a profound difference; I have witnessed its power firsthand.

The baking really doesn’t need to be a trial – there are tons of simple but delicious recipes. It’s a good old-fashioned way to do something super helpful, that you can get everyone to muck in with.

For more information please visit www.place2be.org.uk/big-birthday-bakeoff.

And Happy Baking!

SOPHIE DAHL