Nigella Lawson is calling on people in Bolton to put the kettle on this summer and throw a tea party with family, friends and colleagues to help raise funds in support of an anti-poverty charity.

The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of more than 1,300 food bank centres which provide emergency food and support to people facing hardship and campaigns for change to end the need for food banks in the UK.

Food bank centres in the Trussell Trust’s network in the North West handed out 252,000 emergency food parcels to people in the area between April 2021 and March 2022.

Tea for Trussell is a powerful way for groups to come together over a brew and help raise vital funds to support people facing hardship, while recognising the important role a cup of tea can play at food banks.

Going to a food bank for the first time can be daunting for some people, so most visits start with a friendly face, warm welcome and a cup of tea.

Cuppa in hand, the volunteers at food banks offer kindness and a listening ear, helping to uncover why someone cannot afford the essentials and providing practical support so they do not need to use a food bank again.

TV cook and food writer Nigella Lawson, said: “As a tea drinker, I know how comforting a chat over a cup of tea can be.

“It’s an essential human interaction for me. And it’s the way people visiting food banks are welcomed by volunteers, as well as the focus of the Trussell Trust’s Tea for Trussell event this June to help raise funds for their work with food banks in the UK.

“So please, put the kettle on, raise a cup of tea and make a donation for the Trussell Trust.”

By signing up, people in Bolton are helping the charity fight hunger and support their work to end the need for food banks in the UK.

Kate Merrifield, Events Engagement Manager at the Trussell Trust said:  “We’re urging everyone in Bolton to put the kettle on and throw a tea party.

“Whether you prefer your tea milky or black, with sugar or without, builders’ brew or a masala chai – anything goes, as long as you’re having fun.”

Sign up for Tea for Trussell and get your fundraising guide, conversation cards and a lot more here. (www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/fundraise/events/tea-for-trussell/)