This November, Manchester welcomed the spirit of giving, as national Charity Caudwell Children unveiled their festive lunch, Christmas in Manchester at the iconic Midland Hotel. An impressive £7,757 was donated, to help fund our on-going work to support the individual needs of disabled and autistic children.

Caudwell Children are no strangers when it comes to hosting extravagant fundraising events like the renowned Butterfly Ball, and once again they delivered an unforgettable experience.

Sponsored by Halcion, a leading transportation and storage company, the event featured an afternoon filled with festive delights. Guests were treated to a sparkling reception and a delicious 3-course lunch, which set the tone for the Christmas season. Hosted by the charismatic Dani Wallace, also known as The Queen Bee, the event was a powerful blend of festive cheer and meaningful impact.

Ben Sutcliffe, Director of Executive Projects at Caudwell Children said “I can’t thank everyone here today enough who have contributed to such a lovely event. Supporting the Shaping Futures students has meant so much to us at Caudwell Children to see them getting the experiences that they deserve and getting the opportunities and understanding they deserve, that’s what Caudwell Children is all about and that’s what today was about and everyone here played a part in that.”

Caudwell Children’s Shaping Futures Team was also be an integral part of the event welcoming guests alongside some of the young people who have benefitted from this programme. Shaping Futures is designed to help neurodivergent individuals aged 16-25 develop vital employability and life skills, offering a pathway to greater independence and personal growth. The students’ involvement at the event will showcase their progress and give them the opportunity to put their new skills into practice in a real-world setting.

According to recent figures published in the Buckland Review of Autism Employment, only 3 in 10 autistic people of working age are in employment. This means that 7 in 10 of them are unable to access the independence and fulfilment that employment can bring. Since launching earlier this year, Shaping Futures has already seen 75% of participants progress into positive destinations, including employment, further education, and volunteer work.

Nicola Stanway, Employability Manger at Caudwell Children said “Without the support of generous people like those who attended Christmas in Manchester, Shaping Futures couldn’t exist. It was amazing to see the young people experience things that most people take for granted every single day. Several of the students with us here today have never been on a train, they’ve never had a three-course meal and just to see their confidence grow is incredible.”

The afternoon’s entertainment featured The Vinylettes, a dazzling female vocal harmony trio whose vibrant performance brought a mix of modern hits and timeless classics to life. Adding to the excitement, an exclusive auction offered prizes like a signed Manchester United shirt, a Manchester City Family Tour, luxury items from Clive Christian Perfume, and Aspinal of London. Every bid made supported Caudwell Children’s mission to create a more inclusive world for everyone.