A heartwarming initiative to ensure no one in Chorley spends Christmas Day alone has received a significant financial boost after winning a community funding competition.
Soup Dragon's Den Success
Progress Housing Group, a not-for-profit social housing provider, has awarded a £1,000 grant to the volunteer group Community Christmas 2025. The funding was secured through the housing group's Community Investment Fund following a public vote at their Soup Dragon's Den event, held at St Mary’s Community Centre in Leyland.
The winning proposal will fund a festive Christmas Day lunch at St George’s Church Hall in Chorley. Nathan Benson, the lead volunteer, emphasised the event's profound impact, stating it offers a vital lifeline to the community.
A Lifeline on Christmas Day
"This event has become a lifeline for many," Benson said. "It offers not just a hot meal, but warmth, companionship, and a sense of belonging on a day that can be especially difficult and lonely for some in our community."
The volunteers provide two options for those in the South Ribble or Chorley area: a free sit-down meal at 1pm or a delivery service. All services are entirely free and run by volunteers. Those in need of food or company on Christmas Day are encouraged to book via an online link provided by the group.
Boosting Funds with a Christmas Concert
To raise additional funds, the volunteers are organising 'Now That’s What I Call a Christmas Fundraising Concert'. The event will take place at St George’s Church Hall in Chorley on Saturday, November 22, at 2.30pm.
Tickets are priced at £7 for adults and £5 for concessions, and can be booked through a dedicated online link.
Other Initiatives Supported
The Soup Dragon's Den event also supported three other local community projects, each receiving £200 from the fund:
- iHOPE Fylde: A group led by a Progress Housing Group tenant running Family Stay and Play sessions with arts, crafts, puzzles, and games.
- Leyland Community Greengrocers: An initiative promoting healthy, affordable, locally grown food, launching at Leyland Market on Saturday, December 20.
- Rooted Connections CIC: A community interest company providing wellbeing workshops that explore traditional herbal remedies.
Diane Nash, customer voice manager at Progress Housing Group, expressed her gratitude to all participants. "It was inspiring to hear the incredible work being done across our communities," she said, highlighting the power of collaboration.
Progress Housing Group is now planning its next Soup Dragon’s Den event for May, with applications opening in April. More details will be available at www.progressgroup.org.uk.
