Mind's Christmas Crafternoon

Here’s something troubling me. One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. In the last given year, I run out of fingers when counting just the people I know and love who fit this statistic.

The NHS is buckling under the cost of looking after us and with a three month wait for even the glimmer of hope of some mental health support, thankfully charities such as Mind are there during crisis.

And to help Mind help people, we can all do our bit. Here’s a lovely, easy, cosy way to do so! Take part in Crafternoon - a fantastic way to raise funds in support of those affected by mental health challenges. Sell mince pies to your friends! Make a wreath with your neighbours! Make Christmas cards with your kids! The ideas are limitless. Stuck on what to make? If you need inspiration head to Mind’s website where you’ll find recipes and templates for craft activities such as DIY Christmas crackers and hand stitched Christmas cards.

The Mind Crafternoon takes place on 30th November, raising money and awareness so Mind can provide information and advice to people in their time of need.

Click here for further information.

Here’s a lovely VEGAN recipe for chocolate truffles, to get you into the spirit of things.

Time: 20 minutes to prepare with four hours chilling time

Makes: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 240ml light coconut milk

• 300g dairy-free dark chocolate

• 1 pinch ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Caster sugar to taste (optional)

• 3 tablespoons of desiccated coconut (for decorating)

• 3 tablespoons of chopped hazelnuts (for decorating)

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for decorating)

Method

1. Pour the coconut milk into a small pan over a low heat and heat through, don’t let it boil.

2. Break the chocolate into chunks in a bowl, add the coconut oil, then pour over the coconut milk and stir gently until everything is melted together.

3. Stir in the vanilla and the spices and caster sugar to taste. Cover the bowl and place in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours. If you’re in a hurry just pop it in the freezer for an hour instead.

4. When the truffle mixture is almost set, set out three plates, and spread a layer of coconut, nuts and the cocoa powder onto them.

5. Using a teaspoon, scoop out little balls of the truffle mixture and roll in the palm of your hands, placing them onto a tray as you go. It’s totally up to you how you decorate them – you can roll the balls in the toasted coconut or chopped nuts, or for a simple finish, roll them in cocoa powder.

6. Return the decorated truffles to the fridge for around 10 minutes to firm up, then serve.

Nine ingredients. Six instructions. Maybe, just maybe, more than one life saved, thanks to the incredible work Mind do supporting those in need. That’s just good maths.