Between the 24th November and 22nd December 2025 we provided magical Christmas visits to CAFT for 3,741 children. Thanks to our amazing supporters, we welcomed children living challenging lives to our winter wonderland for a day to remember. A day full of festive fun in an accessible and accepting environment, a day when disability, illness and social difficulties were forgotten and they were simply children enjoying being children.
“It was amazing thank you so much and HUGE hats off to the fabulous DJ who even managed to get my little girl up who usually would NOT! He made my Christmas.”
Weekday visits focused on groups
from local schools, charities and support organisations, with 4 groups of varying sizes visiting each day. 73 groups visited over 19 days – a total of 1,321 children. We even welcomed a whole school from Warrington, bringing 175 children for a day of festive fun!
“As a group of students it’s very difficult for us to access the world and have fun safely. This trip had a huge impact.”
Weekends were family time providing a day when they could enjoy all of the fun of the festive season at a pace to suit the needs of their children. This was also an important opportunity for isolated families to meet others who were living with similar challenges, a chance to share their experiences and form new friendships and support. On an average day in the region of 125 families visited, providing a fun, lively environment for the children, their siblings, parents and extended families. We also ran several ‘quiet’ sessions when the numbers were greatly reduced, these catered for children who struggle in busy environments, allowing them to enjoy activities without becoming overwhelmed.
“There is no place like CAFT, thank you so much for creating manageable magic for those who couldn’t usually. You are irreplaceable. Merry Christmas.”
Children enjoyed a programme of activities designed by our team of Play Specialists, including festive crafts and games to suit all abilities – they were even able to make their own bags of reindeer food to take home for Christmas Eve! Relaxed performances from a variety of children’s entertainers meant that all could enjoy and participate – everything from story-telling and magic right through to the craziest, messiest disco you could ever hope for as a child!
“Without people’s generosity things like this don’t happen. Sometimes I don’t think people realise the impact of inclusive activities all the family can be part of. The kids loved finding the letters to work out the answer, the arts and crafts and of course seeing Santa. They loved their gifts.”
The CAFT team were supported by an army of amazing volunteers who helped to run the fun, as well as making sure everyone was kept safe and happy during their festive day at the Adventure Farm. Helpers joined us in their hundreds, individuals from our community as well as teams from local businesses – a staggering 746 volunteer shifts were covered in total! This included 48 volunteer Santa’s, 628 activity helpers, 24 gift wrappers, 36 decorating volunteers and 10 volunteers who came along to help to pack Christmas away at the end!
“Some of our children cannot go to a traditional Santa’s Grotto because of sensory needs and disadvantaged backgrounds. This has been an absolutely amazing experience for our children.”
We also give sincere thanks to our sponsors who have made this programme possible, without their donations this magic would never have happened. The cost to CAFT for each child to visit at Christmas is £55, meaning we needed to raise over £205,000 in order to provide this experience free of charge to 3,741 children in 2025. Donations came in the form of monetary contributions, as well as gifts, selection boxes, food and materials which enabled us to provide a magical memory of Christmas for children who may otherwise not be given such an opportunity.