The Christmas Dinner project, originally started in Manchester by Lemn Sissay OBE, has become an annual tradition dedicated to giving care leavers a truly special Christmas Day.

The Christmas Dinner Peterborough was set up by a small group of passionate local volunteers in 2021 with the hope of bringing joy and warmth to young care leavers who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone. Over the past four years, we have been overwhelmed by the success of our Care Leavers Christmas Dinners in Peterborough. Thanks to the generosity of our community and the unwavering support of local businesses, we’ve been able to offer many young people an incredible experience—one filled with love, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

As we look ahead to Christmas 2025, our vision is to build on this success and once again show these young care leavers just how much their community cares about them. These are young people, aged 18 to 25, who are stepping into adulthood after leaving the care system, often facing Christmas alone for the first time. But with your help, we can ensure that this Christmas is one they’ll never forget.

This year, we need your support to make the 2025 Christmas Dinner even more memorable. We’re raising funds to provide each care leaver with a delicious meal, thoughtful gifts, and a hamper of food to enjoy in the days following Christmas. Additionally, we want to ensure that the venue is beautifully decorated and that our guests have safe and comfortable transportation to and from the event.

Here’s how your donation can make a difference:

Gifts: Helping us buy gifts from our guests individual wish list.

Decorations: Help us create a festive and welcoming atmosphere at the venue.

Food Hampers: Contribute to hampers filled with essential and special treats for the days after Christmas.

Transportation: Assist us in providing transport to and from the venue, ensuring every guest can attend without worry.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly towards making this Christmas one of joy, love, and community for Peterborough’s care leavers. Thank you for helping us show these young people that they are valued and supported, not just during the holiday season, but always.

Let’s make Christmas 2025 a day they’ll remember forever.