Care at Christmas Appeal 2025 - Care for others, care for yourself
Published 17 November 2025
At Making Space, we’re dedicated to supporting people living with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, dementia and complex care needs, and the people who care for them.
This festive season, we’re asking everyone to join us for our Care at Christmas Appeal, launching during Self-Care Week 2025 (17–23 November).
Self-Care Week, organised by the Self-Care Forum, is an annual national campaign that encourages individuals, families and communities to take charge of their wellbeing. The 2025 theme, “Mind & Body”, highlights the powerful connection between physical and mental health - a message that’s at the heart of everything we do at Making Space.
Bob Towers, Fundraising Manager at Making Space, said:
We know the festive season can be a difficult time for many. While it’s a time of joy for some, it can also bring extra pressures - from loneliness and stress to emotional and financial worries, especially for many of the people we support.
That’s why we’re asking everyone to Care at Christmas - to look after your own wellbeing while helping us care for others. Many of those we support will spend Christmas alone. Some won’t see family or friends, receive a gift, or share a hot meal without a little extra help.”
You can make a real difference by taking part in a self-care fundraising challenge – something that boosts your own wellbeing while raising vital funds to help others.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Generous support from individuals, community groups and corporate partners has already helped us fund wellbeing activities, hardship grants and carer respite projects - providing vital help where statutory funding can’t.
With continued public support, we can keep delivering projects that empower people, enhance wellbeing and strengthen communities this Christmas and beyond.
Take on a self-care fundraising challenge
Your challenge could be something that helps you relax, feel stronger, or connect with others, all while supporting those who need it most this Christmas. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Take a break from alcohol, smoking, chocolate, or social media from 1–24 December
- Walk or run 10,000 steps a day in December – or set a daily target that feels right for you.
- Host a paint-and-sip night or pamper evening with friends
- Organise a coffee morning at work or home
- Challenge yourself to learn a new skill in time for Christmas
- Take on a 24-hour LEGO or jigsaw marathon!
Every penny raised will help us bring comfort, care and joy to the people we support across the country.
You can also:
- Make a donation on our Care at Christmas page
- Buy our Making Space Christmas cards (last order 16 December)
- Donate gifts for the people we support – please email fundraising@makingspace.co.uk
This year’s Christmas cards were designed by two talented young carers supported through the Cheshire East All Age Carers Hub, each pack contains 10 cards (five of each design) and costs just £5.
Our 10-year-old winner said:
“I liked making the design because I used a few art techniques that I don’t usually use, and I really enjoyed it. When I won, I felt amazed!”
Our 15-year-old winner added:
“I really enjoyed creating this Christmas card, it inspired me to make more and got me in the Christmas mood! It’s encouraged me to try different things with art and express my passion further. Thank you so much for choosing my design as the winner!”
Your support changes lives!
Every act of care - big or small - helps us continue our work in communities across the UK, here are just a few examples:
A warm hug in a cold home
Our Darlington Rapid Response team supports older people returning home after hospital stays. With your help, we’ve been able to gift Hugs in Bags filled with cosy items like blankets, gloves, soup and mugs. One 92-year-old gentleman was moved to tears when he received his bag, saying:
“This is the kindest thing I’ve ever been given.”
Supporting young carers
At the Cheshire East All Age Carers Hub, your donations have funded food, school equipment and special days out for young carers who carry huge responsibilities at home.
One young girl, who looks after her mum and siblings, has been able to attend school more regularly, make friends, and enjoy her first ever trip to the zoo, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
Helping carers through difficult times
In Bolton, one carer shared:
“When I was at my lowest last December, I found Making Space - it really was like an answer to prayer. I’m so used to being the one who helps, so it felt strange to receive help, but I’m incredibly grateful.”
And in Cheshire, another wrote:
“The service gives me the support I need to keep going. When our microwave broke and we couldn’t afford to replace it, Making Space and local funders stepped in and got us one straight away, it made such a difference.”
In Warrington, fundraised income helped us teach people with mental health challenges to cook healthy, affordable meals.
After one class, a woman proudly recreated the chilli con carne she’d learned to make, enough for several meals, saying:
“I was so happy and proud of what I managed to cook.”
Bringing people together through heritage
A £10,000 Everyday Heritage grant helped residents at Hollymere and Hartley Place explore Ellesmere Port’s rich history and share their own stories.
Valerie, one of the residents, said:
“The trips brought back so many memories and brought us closer together. The friendships we’ve formed will last long after the project ends.”
Why your support matters
Since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, donations have helped carers and people we support to buy food, bedding, furniture and essential appliances:
“This is the first time in 60 years I’ve ever had a brand-new washing machine - thank you so much.”
“The voucher was such a big help. Please pass on my thanks from the bottom of my heart.”
“It feels strange to receive help when you’re so used to giving it, but I’m truly grateful.”
These are the real, lasting impacts your generosity makes possible.
Join us and ‘Care at Christmas’
This December, let’s make self-care and caring for others go hand in hand. Whether you host a coffee morning, run every day until Christmas, or simply donate what you can - you’ll be helping someone feel seen, supported and cared for this festive season.
Join us and Care at Christmas and we can make sure no one feels alone this Christmas!