Having hosted Emsworth Community Christmas for the last three years, our dream has been to expand this to other communities and reach out to as many people as possible so that no one has to spend Christmas Day on their own. So alongside Emsworth, this year we are hosting Funtington Community Christmas at Oakwood School, Funtington.

What started as a very small idea with a handful of guests has become an amazing event in the community hosting almost 100 people and is growing year on year, hence reaching out to other communities.

Everyone that has supported and volunteered to make this project what it is today have created a community that is reaching out and grabbing people that we never see. We have hosted the Emsworth Community Christmas on Christmas day for people who would have necessarily been on their own at Christmas and are very much looking forward to getting this established in Funtington and beyond.

Nobody should feel as though they have no one to spend Christmas with, it is a time of togetherness and joy. We are able to reach out to the vulnerable and isolated and give them a day to be remembered. A day rich in warm conversation, music, delightful food, presents and of course much love and laughter.

There are times in young and older people's lives when life becomes difficult and times like Christmas are a challenge. We are passionate about creating a day where people can be nourished, loved and be in an environment that is safe. This is a free event for individuals in our community and supported by our community.

Days like these make lasting differences in people's lives. Friendships are formed and words are shared that enable people to feel at ease and free of isolation just for a day.

From now until the Christmas day event, money raised will be spent on transport, fresh produce, Christmas decorations for the dining room and lounge area and the tables need festive decorations too. There are many extras that the day could be enhanced with and every guest will go home with a wonderful hand painted box of gifts created by children at the school and handed out by Santa.

We will have an incredible free raffle so that everyone receive a gift on Christmas Day.

However much you can donate, this event is truly nourishing and it is a heartfelt day of people being in the arms of togetherness and gratitude. Lets make Funtington Community Christmas a day to remember for many.