Christmas came early at The Next Step Project when staff cooked Christmas dinner for our residents. Huge thanks to Michael Anthony Estate Agents whose donation covered the costs of feeding previously homeless 18-25 year olds.

T: “This is even better than my mum’s roast dinners used to be.”

Being cooked for is a real treat, so the residents had spent two weeks choosing the menu. Roast chicken, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, Yorkshire puddings, peas, carrots, sweetcorn, broccoli and gravy. And vegan alternatives for three residents.

Staff: “What’s your favourite kind of food, B?” F: “Christmas dinner. Like this. It’s the best.”

While dinner was cooking we played charades, pulled crackers and built a snowman. (How lucky we were to have a white Christmas!) After eating residents had seconds. Then thirds. Then a few had fourths and others started to ask about pudding. Chocolate Yule log with cream and rice pudding.

We will be doing it all again on Wednesday 21 December for vulnerable 13-25s at our Drop-in Centre. Our thanks in advance to Kings Farm Shop for donating the meat. Any donations of food or non-alcoholic drink (or food parcel ingredients for young people to take home) would be very welcome! Thank you.

Happy Christmas everyone!