Christmas is a reminder for many care leavers that they are alone and can be a time to dread. The Manchester Christmas Dinner project started in 2013 with a vision: “No care leaver will be alone on Christmas day.”

The initiative aims to provide young care-experienced people, usually around 50, with a memorable Christmas Day experience. It offers a warm and welcoming venue, delicious food, engaging activities facilitated by friendly hosts, and, of course, presents. The initiative received a Making a Difference Award for its outstanding professional services in social responsibility.

Lemn Sissay OBE said: “The Manchester Christmas Dinners are very close to my heart. Individuals, from the University, give their time, energy and resources to make a real difference to young care leavers aged 18 to 25. The Christmas Dinner started in Manchester in 2013. Each year more dinners come on board, 2023 there will be 34. Many of them have been inspired by the Manchester model which is now replicated in all the dinners.”

Alison Shedlock, who sits on the steering group that delivers Manchester Christmas Dinners said: “Winning a Making a Difference Award for Manchester Christmas Dinners has been a highlight for the steering group and a way to recognise and thank so many of our University community that make it happen. Manchester Christmas Dinner doesn’t happen without the huge amount of support from colleagues across the University. House Services – take in the amazon parcels. Martin Harris Centre – provide the AV and lighting. Media Services – provide a TV for Karaoke and directional signage. Alliance Manchester Business School – store our decorations and have been the venue for our meetings. Food in Residence – help prepare the venue, organise the food and take delivery of loads of food. Residences including Reslife – support the venue.”

For more information:

• Watch Manchester Christmas Dinner’s video
• Follow their Facebook page

The Making a Difference Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of our staff, students, alumni and external partners, and celebrate how they are making a difference. Entry to our 2025 awards will open on 16 November 2024. More information about the Awards can be found here.