Finishing up 2025 with a Cook Stars Christmas

As we rounded off the year on our youth-centred Creative Expression Saturdays, there was only one way to celebrate: with festive food, plenty of laughter, and our amazing young people getting stuck in together.

With Christmas just around the corner, the atmosphere was buzzing as everyone rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on cooking session full of seasonal cheer, and we were delighted to welcome Cook Stars once again, who guided our young people through making their very own sausage rolls and Christmas pastries.

For some, it was their first time cooking from scratch, while others proudly showed off skills they’ve been building throughout the year. The smell alone was enough to get everyone feeling festive, and the end results didn’t disappoint, with golden, flaky sausage rolls that were enjoyed by all – and there were plenty to take home.

But the session wasn’t just about food. Between batches in the oven, the group took part in a range of games and festive challenges, bringing plenty of energy and friendly competition to the room.

And to finish the year on a high, we also held a small awards celebration, recognising the achievements, commitment, and personal growth we’ve seen throughout the year.

Slide through the images below:

From teamwork and resilience to creativity and kindness, it was a chance to celebrate how far everyone has come and to let our young people know just how proud we are of them.

As we head into the festive break, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the programme this year, from our funders BBC Children in Need, partners, volunteers, families, and of course our brilliant young people.

If you’d like to get involved in the new year, whether by volunteering, donating, or referring a young person who could benefit from our sessions, we’d love to hear from you.

Here’s to a joyful Christmas, a well-earned rest, and an exciting year ahead!