Festive cheer for young care leavers
CHARITY MAKES SURE THOSE WITHOUT A FAMILY AREN’T ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS
They might be alone, or feeling alone. A lot of people are living by themselves
Sarah Sturmey, Pure Insight
CHRISTMAS Day can be a struggle for people who grew up in care and have nowhere to go.
That’s why a charity is putting on a Christmas lunch so young care-leavers can get together to celebrate in Manchester.
It’s for young care-leavers aged 16 and above and their children.
The event is being put on by Pure Insight as part of the Christmas Dinner project founded by Manchester poet Lemn Sissay.
The author and broadcaster spent some of his childhood in care, and set up the project in 2013 to make sure young people know they haven’t been forgotten.
Three dinners will be held as part of the Christmas Dinner project – in Manchester, Stockport and Wigan.
Now the charity is asking for donations to help pay for the events.
Founder and CEO of Pure Insight, Sarah Sturmey, said: “It’s for people who don’t have anywhere to go on Christmas Day. They might be alone, or feeling alone. A lot of people are living by themselves. There’s an 18-year-old living alone, who can’t afford food or heating. Sometimes people are invited somewhere they don’t feel they belong.
“Care leavers quite often don’t have family. If they do it can be very dysfunctional. We just don’t believe anyone should be alone on Christmas Day. It’s amazing how many people want to volunteer.”
Sarah said they have an ‘amazing’ chef who will prepare the food.
They make sure everyone gets a gift bag on Christmas Day too. Transport will be arranged for people to attend. People will get a drink upon entry, then a butty.
“There will be lots of activities like films and a nail technician beauty bar.
There will be face painting for the children and presents given to people who attend.
● To donate, go to the charity’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/pureinsightchristmasdinner