A Christmas celebration is being arranged to provide enjoyment, comfort and a sense of belonging for young people who have transitioned out of the care system.
The inaugural Brighton and Hove Christmas Dinner will take place on December 25, delivering a warm and inclusive gathering for as many as 100 care-experienced individuals aged between 18 and 30 from throughout East Sussex.
Two Brighton residents, Jamie Crabb and Richard Hubbert, are leading the organisation of the event with assistance from Brighton Council, young care leavers, community members and local enterprises.
Jamie Crabb, who experienced childhood in the care system, explained that witnessing such genuine warmth and kindness from the community to help make this gathering happen proved more emotionally significant than anticipated.
He highlighted that those leaving care are entitled to more than merely services or frameworks, stating they deserve consideration, celebration, inclusion, happiness, community, compassion and fundamentally genuine care.
Community fundraising has already generated over £2,500, though the organisers require an additional £2,500 in contributions, presents or sustenance to ensure the occasion reaches its full potential.
A scheme titled the 50 Fairies campaign has been introduced, requesting 50 individuals to each contribute or collect £50 toward the objective.
Mr Crabb noted that the volume of people staging their own events to advance the initiative had been remarkable, and that this concluding effort was necessary to achieve their target.
He added that by circulating their requests and aspirations more broadly and loudly throughout the city, their remaining requirements regarding presents, funding and sustenance could be fulfilled.
The dinner forms part of a countrywide initiative to assist care leavers during the Christmas season, with 155 comparable occasions having taken place in 35 towns and cities since 2013.
Brighton and Hove has not hosted such a gathering for over seven years.
With further contributions and resources from the generosity of the wider Brighton community, it is hoped those attending will have a Christmas Day to remember for all the right reasons and for many years to follow.
Those eligible individuals wishing to take part can apply through the Brighton and Hove Care Leavers team or through the Christmas Dinner email address.