The Christmas Dinners began with the vision and determination of care experienced people themselves.
Drawing on their own experiences, Shalyce Lawrence and Jerome Harvey-Agyei co-founded The TopΓ© Project in memory of their friend TopΓ©. Their vision was to bring young care leavers together onΒ Christmas Day, creating positive memories, nurturing relationships and offering the care, connection and community that every young person deserves.
Inspired by this work, poet, playwright, memoirist and broadcaster Lemn Sissay, established Gold from the Stone Foundation, supporting communities of volunteers across the UK to create extraordinary Christmas Dinners for young care leavers.
These celebrations bring people together around beautifully prepared meals, gifts, hairdressing, creative activities and entertainment. But perhaps their greatest gift is the experience of being welcomed, remembered and belonging.
Since 2013, the Christmas Dinners have reached thousands of care experienced young people across towns and cities throughout the UK.
We're delighted to be bringing this tradition of care, celebration and community back to Brighton & Hove in 2026! β¨
