Young women have borne the brunt of both the cost-of-living crisis and the pandemic. 69% of low-paid and insecure jobs are held by women, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds especially are struggling. They face unemployment, a lack of education, social isolation, poverty and homelessness. With just a little help at the right time, it’s incredible to see what they can achieve; jobs, qualifications, and the all-important self confidence that will give them a brighter future.

While pastries and oat lattes from the local bakery will more than suffice, if you do want to whip up something yourself, here’s a favourite autumnal breakfast recipe of The White Company team.

Norwegian Cinnamon Buns
Makes: 20

For the dough:
600g plain flour
100g sugar ½ tsp salt
3 x 7g sachets easy-blend yeast
100g unsalted butter
400ml milk (at room temperature)
2 eggs (at room temperature)

For the filling:
150g soft unsalted butter
150g sugar
1½ tsp cinnamon
1 egg (beaten), to glaze

1.
Combine the flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a large bowl. Melt the butter and whisk it into the milk and eggs, then stir enough of this into the flour mixture to give a soft dough. Mix to combine and then knead the dough either by hand or using the dough hook of a food mixer until it's smooth and springy. Form into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave it to rise for about 25 minutes.

2.
Heat the oven to 230°C/210°C Fan/gas mark 8/450°F.

3.
Take one-third of the dough and roll or stretch it to fit a large baking tin lined with baking parchment – this will form the bottom of each bun when cooked. Roll out the rest of the dough on a lightly floured surface, aiming to get a rectangle of roughly 50 x 25cm (20 x 10 inches).

4.
Mix the unsalted butter, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and then spread over the rectangle. Roll it up from the longest side into a long sausage shape. Cut the roll into 2cm slices (¾ inch) which should make about 20 rounds. Sit the rounds in rows on top of the dough in the tin, swirly side up. Don't worry if they don't fit snugly together as they will swell when they prove. Brush them with the egg and then let them rise again for about 15 minutes.

5.
Put them in the oven to cook for 20–25 minutes, by which time the buns will have risen and will be golden-brown. Remove them from the tin and leave to cool slightly on a rack. Serve tear-and-share style or separate each bun ready for your guests.

The coffee is flowing at your breakfast. The conversation is, too. Take turns around the table to share stories of the inspirational women who’ve been there for you – and what advice you’d give to others.

• Think of a woman who supported you early on in your life or career. What was she like? How did she support you?
• What's the best piece of advice a woman has ever given you?
• What's something you've learnt from a woman who's younger than you?
• You meet your eighteen-year-old self. You can give them three pieces of advice. What do you say?
• What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?

If you’re unable to host a breakfast but would still like to contribute, donating is simple. Every little gesture can go towards making big changes.

could teach one young woman how to manage her money with a budgeting session.

could ensure one young woman can travel to work in the month before her first pay cheque.

could contribute to specialist equipment that unlocks a lifelong career for a young woman.

Join us, our founder, Chrissie, and a young ambassador for The Prince’s Trust for a fundraising breakfast at our Symons Street Store and help raise money to change the lives of vulnerable young women in the UK.

Date: Thursday, 19th October
Time: 8:30–10am
Location: Symons Street store, London