Each year, the charity invites young people and families from across its centres in Fazakerley, Everton, Kirkby and Tuebrook to attend free Christmas grottos held within each area. The grottos provide a free, inclusive and festive environment where young people and their families can celebrate together without the worry of financial costs.

Activities include Christmas crafts, food, entertainment, party games and a visit from Santa, with free selection boxes provided to all young people attending. The charity also aims to provide each young person with a free Christmas present. This year, it is also hoping to provide young people and their families with the opportunity to attend a pantomime.

Throughout the Christmas period, young people also take part in hamper-making activities for local care home residents in the Fazakerley and Kirkby areas. This encourages young people to give back to their local community and think about others during the festive period. The young people create items such as Christmas cards, ornaments, cookies and cakes, as well as adding Christmas crackers and small festive decorations to the hampers.

The charity’s Christmas programme provides young people and families living in areas of high deprivation with the opportunity to celebrate Christmas and enjoy experiences they may otherwise be unable to access. The activities help to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing and create positive family memories, while encouraging creativity, confidence, social connections and the importance of giving back to others.

The programme also promotes a strong sense of belonging and connection within the local community, helping young people and families to feel supported during what can be a particularly difficult time of year.

Many of the families supported by the charity are living on low incomes and face increased financial pressures during the festive period. Through its Christmas programme, the charity aims to ensure that no young person goes without and that every child has the opportunity to experience the excitement, enjoyment and special memories that Christmas can bring.