Be part of the Manchester Christmas Dinner Steering Group
09 Sep 2026
Come along, bring your ideas and planning skills, and help make a real difference to young care leavers who would otherwise be alone this Christmas.
What is the Manchester Christmas Dinner?
The Manchester Christmas Dinner is an annual project, founded in 2013 by Lemn Sissay OBE. What started off as one dinner in Manchester grew to become a UK-wide movement through the Gold from the Stone Foundation with a simple vision: ensuring that no Care Leaver aged 18 to 25 feels alone on Christmas Day.
We have proudly supported the Manchester Christmas Dinner for many years, helping to create a warm, welcoming and memorable Christmas Day for young care leavers in our city.
Join the Steering Group and get involved
Manchester Christmas Dinner can’t happen without the Steering Group, who oversee the planning and delivery of the event and support fundraising and awareness activities.
We're looking for new volunteers to join the 2026 Steering Group and help plan this year's dinner. Whether you've been involved before or are completely new to the project, we'd love to hear from you. Fresh ideas, enthusiasm and different perspectives are always welcome.
Last year, our Steering Group organised an incredible evening for 50 guests at Woolton Hall on Christmas Day, helping to make it a truly special day for young care leavers across Greater Manchester.
The first Steering Group meeting
The first Steering Group meeting will take place on:
- Tuesday 15 September, 6.00pm at AMBS
Meetings will alternate between in-person and online sessions where possible, helping people to get involved in a way that works for them.
Please note that you do not need to be available on Christmas Day itself to join the Steering Group.
Interested?
To find out more or register your interest in joining the Steering Group, please email mcr@thechristmasdinner.org.uk.
By volunteering a little time during the coming weeks, you'll help create a special Christmas Day for young people who might otherwise spend it alone.
More information
Find out more about the Manchester Christmas Dinner on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube or by visiting The Christmas Dinner website.