Waking up in matching pyjamas, a festive walk in your Christmas jumpers, and squabbling over board games are all typical components of a family Christmas.

But what does December 25th look like for young care leavers?

Turkey, tinsel and traditions are often replaced with loneliness, financial hardship and negative memories of Christmases past. 

But a group of volunteers in Barnsley are changing their own family traditions to make sure care leavers in the town have a special day to remember.

The Barnsley Care Leavers Christmas Dinner is an initiative that was set up in 2018 by care experienced woman, Beth Goodliffe, who wanted to create a community in her hometown for young people like herself.

Following months of planning and prep work, Beth and a group volunteers host a big Christmas dinner for around 25 young people mainly aged 18 to early 20s.

Beth tries to make it like a proper family Christmas for these young people, showing them what a supportive, safe, healthy Christmas should look like.

She hosts a special celebration at a surprise venue each year, decorates the room in full festive splendour, and arranges transport for all the guests. She also buys each young person a meaningful gift, pyjamas and stocking fillers, and creates hampers filled with food staples and luxury items.

Each year, Beth is supported by a small team of volunteers who prepare and cook the Christmas meal, set up and clear up the room, transport the guests, and wrap the presents.

They’re hoping that the generous people of South Yorkshire will once again donate money to help them put on such a special day. Find out more about how to donate at www.christmasdinnerbarnsley.org.uk