Birmingham Christmas Dinner 2020

Christmas this year is likely to be unusually difficult for many people, but young adults leaving care are at a particularly vulnerable point in their lives. Support structures become even more precarious and they have to try and find their feet without the networks of family and friends that many of us rely on. It can be make-or-break for them personally and for their relationship with the wider community – and, in many cases – for their children too.

So, although we cannot provide a gathering this Christmas – thanks to the coronavirus pandemic – we are still providing meals, gifts and comfort on a day that could be particularly isolating for many.

We shall be sending food shopping vouchers to our young care leavers so they can choose their own dinner, and providing online chat, entertainment and companionship. 

Therefore, although we are not meeting in person, we still need the finances to provide an enjoyable Christmas. The funds will pay for:

• Food shopping vouchers
• Gifts and treats to enjoy over the festive period
• Data for their devices so they can join in the festivities online.

Our virtual guests are 40–50 young care-leavers aged between 18 and 24. They are referred to us by the local authority care-leavers teams.

The dinner is planned and run entirely by volunteers. We raise the funds, arrange the guests, buy and wrap the presents and provide the dinner… so every penny we raise goes into organising the day. 

Please help us make this Christmas a positive experience for young care leavers in Birmingham.