For some, Christmas dinner is the best part of the big day.
There’s pigs in blankets, stuffing, and mountains of roast potatoes — in an idyllic festive scene at least.
For others, Christmas dinner is a challenge. Some don’t have the equipment. Some don’t have the knowhow. Some don’t have any guests to share it with.
However, one group of volunteers is making sure that care leavers — aged between 18 and 25 — are able to enjoy turkey with all the trimmings this year.
Spearheaded by poet and University of Manchester chancellor Lemn Sissay, who grew up in care himself, the Manchester Christmas Dinner group have delivered parcels to around 50 guests.
Inside each parcel is a ‘make at home’ Christmas dinner, which guests can enjoy today with one another over video call.
Like last year, Covid has put paid to plans to have an in-person Christmas party, but volunteers worked around the clock on Christmas Eve to put the hampers together — and ensure the care leavers have a special meal this year.
Working from a room at the Manchester Meeting Place, the charitable workers also included some wrapped-up gifts to make the day even more special.
