A Seat at the Christmas Table

Aim

Help us create an inclusive, low-pressure Christmas meal for people facing loneliness, isolation or overwhelm in our community.

A Seat at the Christmas Table

Dreamscape Community Connections C.I.C. was created to support people who may feel lonely, isolated, anxious, neurodivergent or unsure about joining traditional social activities.

I’m Marybeth, the founder of Dreamscape. I understand how difficult it can feel to walk into a new room, attend an event alone or try to connect when social situations feel overwhelming. That is why everything we do is designed to feel welcoming, understanding and low pressure.

Alongside our directors, volunteers and Community Companions, we organise activities across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire where people can connect at their own pace. Nobody is forced to talk, join an activity or explain why they need support.

Our Christmas idea

On Sunday 22 November 2026, we want to hold A Seat at the Christmas Table — a warm and inclusive Christmas gathering for around 100 people from our community.

Christmas can be an incredibly lonely time. Some people may have nobody to celebrate with, while others may feel unable to attend busy traditional events because of anxiety, neurodivergence, mobility needs, sensory overwhelm or low confidence.

We want to create a Christmas event where people know they are expected, included and welcome.

The day will include:

• A Christmas dinner and refreshments
• Gentle festive activities and crafts
• Opportunities to meet others without pressure
• A quiet and sensory-friendly space
• Clear information about what to expect
• Support from the Dreamscape team
• Sponsored and affordable places for people who need them
• Small gifts and community kindness

People will be welcome to join in as much or as little as feels comfortable. Some may spend the day chatting and taking part in activities, while others may quietly enjoy their meal and simply appreciate being around other people.

Both are completely welcome.

Why we need your help

We are aiming to raise £2,000 to help cover the venue, Christmas dinner, refreshments, activities, decorations, sensory resources, small gifts and sponsored places for approximately 100 people.

Every donation will help us create a day where people feel remembered rather than forgotten.

A donation of £10 could help towards someone’s meal.
£25 could help sponsor a place.
Businesses can also sponsor a table or support a particular part of the event.

Even if we do not reach the full target, every contribution will still be used to help make the event possible. We will prioritise the venue, food and accessible places first, then adjust the additional activities according to the amount raised.

More than a Christmas dinner

A Seat at the Christmas Table is about much more than food.

It is about giving someone a reason to leave the house.

It is about helping someone attend their first community event.

It is about creating a place where people do not have to mask, perform or pretend to feel comfortable.

Most importantly, it is about making sure people know there is a seat waiting for them.

Please help us welcome around 100 people to the table by donating, sponsoring or sharing our project.

Thank you for supporting Dreamscape Community Connections C.I.C.

Where Every Heart Matters.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 9th October 2026 at 12:48pm