‘Hackney Xmas Dinner’ group are making sure no-one is lonely this Christmas. Pic: EastLondonLines

Young care leavers in Hackney already have an invitation to Christmas dinner thanks to a support group set up by the award-winning poet Lemn Sissay.

The Hackney Xmas Dinner group want people aged between 18 and 25 who have recently left the care system and who are contemplating a Christmas day alone to get in touch and apply to join them for a special meal.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Christmas can be a lonely and dreaded time for many care leavers, especially those that are isolated, living alone, living in temporary accommodation, B&Bs, hostels, sofa surfing or even street homeless.”  

Set up in 2014 by care leaver, poet and writer Sissay, the group say they want their guests to “have fun, feel relaxed and get pampered” when they’d previously be unaccompanied for Christmas Day. 

The day will see Hackney locals, care leavers, and those who have experienced being in care, coming together to put on a feast and celebrate the festivities in a friendly warm environment.  

The Christmas dinner will take place at a secret location on Christmas Day from 12pm-6pm. Those who qualify for the dinner will be informed of the location, as there are only 50 slots available.

The group is looking for referrals from all ethnic backgrounds, multiple faiths, leavers with children, and those who are placed or have links with Hackney and surrounding areas.  

To submit a referral, fill out the form below and send it in before 7 December 2018.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12SoRe3ACgjWEzXtG2lOfdnmfaysmWbvi/view