{"id":3461,"date":"2024-12-19T13:33:16","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T13:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/bmh-athena-swan\/?p=3461"},"modified":"2025-02-04T12:47:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T12:47:20","slug":"manchester-christmas-dinner-for-care-leavers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/bmh-athena-swan\/2024\/12\/19\/manchester-christmas-dinner-for-care-leavers\/","title":{"rendered":"Manchester Christmas Dinner for Care Leavers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Manchester Christmas Dinner: Spreading Joy to Care Leavers<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Christmas season is often associated with family gatherings, warmth, and joy. However, for care leavers\u2014young people aged 18-25 who have been in foster care or residential homes\u2014this time of year can be marked by loneliness and a lack of support. The Manchester Christmas Dinner, established in 2013 by former University of Manchester Chancellor Lemn Sissay OBE, aims to change that by providing a magical and memorable Christmas Day for care leavers who would otherwise spend the day alone.<\/p>\n

A Community Effort<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since its inception, The Manchester Christmas Dinner has become a vital community initiative, bringing together volunteers, donors, and local organizations to ensure care leavers experience the joy of Christmas. The University of Manchester has played a significant role in this initiative, with staff and students dedicating their time and resources to create a special day for these young people.<\/p>\n

This year, the Manchester Christmas Dinner team won the UoM Making a Difference Award for Social Responsibility, for the impact of their work.<\/p>\n

What Makes the Christmas Dinner Special?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Manchester Christmas Dinner is more than just a meal. It\u2019s a celebration designed with care and attention to detail to ensure every guest feels valued and loved. Here are the eight key elements that make the day magical:<\/p>\n

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  1. Guests<\/strong>: The event is open to care leavers and young refugees who are alone during Christmas. Guest numbers are capped at 50 to maintain an intimate, non-institutional atmosphere.<\/li>\n
  2. Hosts and Helpers<\/strong>: Volunteers decorate the venue, wrap presents, and ensure the space feels festive. On Christmas Day, they spend the entire day creating a welcoming atmosphere.<\/li>\n
  3. Finances and Funding<\/strong>: While not a registered charity, the initiative benefits from grants and fundraising activities. Lemn Sissay\u2019s charity, Gold from the Stone<\/a>, provides \u00a350 per guest, with additional funds raised locally to meet the \u00a36,000 needed for the event.<\/li>\n
  4. Presents<\/strong>: Each guest receives thoughtfully chosen gifts from a wish list, delivered by University of Manchester \u201cElves.\u201d<\/li>\n
  5. Venue and Design<\/strong>: The University provides a catered hall as the venue beautifully decorated for Christmas.<\/li>\n
  6. Food<\/strong>: Generous donations from University suppliers and external partners ensure a delicious meal, prepared by dedicated chefs, including UoM\u2019s own Pete.<\/li>\n
  7. Transport<\/strong>: Guests are provided with taxi rides to and from the venue, eliminating any logistical concerns.<\/li>\n
  8. Special Touches<\/strong>: Each guest takes home a festive food hamper, and care leavers receive handmade quilts, symbolizing warmth and support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Quilts for Care Leavers<\/strong><\/p>\n

    A unique aspect of the event is the Quilts for Care Leavers<\/a> initiative. These handcrafted quilts, described as “hugs in fabric,” are distributed nationwide, with around 3,000 quilts gifted to young people this year alone. Each quilt represents the community\u2019s love and care for care leavers.<\/p>\n

    How You Can Help<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Manchester Christmas Dinner relies on the generosity of the community. Here\u2019s how you can support:<\/p>\n