Posted 18 February 2026
As we start 2026, we want to take a look back at the festive celebrations and activities our local groups took part in.
Thank you to our incredible volunteer Group Leads, their commitment and dedication to single-parent families makes an incredible difference.
As part of a recent survey, many single parents told us that the groups help them feel more connected and less alone, one parent said: “The group feels like having a substitute family.”
Our local groups had some fantastic festive celebrations:
Barnet Gingerbread Group – Our wonderful Group Lead Kerry, brought the group together for a Christmas party and said: “The most special part was seeing everyone come together. Someone brought the most amazing samosas, and another member brought cookies, icing and sprinkles to decorate with the children. Such lovely memories, so proud of our little Gingerbread community.”
Grimsby Gingerbread Group – Alison, our fabulous volunteer who runs our Grimsby group, brought her group together in a local hall where the children got the opportunity to meet Santa, courtesy of one of the dads in the group!
NW London Gingerbread Group –
From inflatable Christmas trees and the unstoppable Group Lead Ema, dressed up as Ms. Clause, the NW London group celebrated in style!
Ema said: “We threw a proper jolly Christmas party full of sparkle and giggles, with Santa, presents, festive games and a room buzzing with excitement. Everyone left with big smiles, rosy cheeks, and that warm, together feeling that makes Christmas feel like Christmas.”
Shipley Gingerbread Group – Dedicated Group Lead Angela, hosted a fantastic Christmas party which was joined by families from
the Leeds group too, a wonderful moment of groups coming together, which made the celebration extra special.
The group also (for the second year running), took part in a Christmas tree decorating competition and used the theme ‘Gingerbread cookies’. The group made a lot of the decorations and added the Gingerbread website and group email to the decorations. How cute is the tree!
Manchester Gingerbread Group –
Our brilliant group lead Rachel hosted a lovely festive meet‑up at Manchester Museum.
As she shared: “It was nice to get together with other single mums over Christmas for a brew (and some chocolates!) The kids enjoyed their goody bags and singing karaoke with each other.”
Havering Gingerbread Group – December’s winter celebration was a lovely way for families to come together.
Hema shared this touching moment from the day: “During our winter celebration in December, parents and children stood and sang together in an unplanned moment.
For some families, it was their only time to celebrate with their children. The warmth and connection in that moment reflected the heart of Gingerbread, bringing people together when they need it most.”
The Polar Express – At Christmas, our NW London and City of London groups were treated to a truly magical experience thanks to the generosity of PNP Events.
Sixty‑four parents and children climbed aboard and filled an entire carriage of The Polar Express. The groups enjoyed cookies, hot chocolate, festive fun and a special visit from Santa, who brought gifts for all the little ones.
We are so grateful to PNP Events for this opportunity. The excitement, the laughter, and the huge smiles (from children and parents alike) made it an unforgettable Christmas experience for everyone.
Christmas at Kensington Palace – Our Lambeth, Finsbury Park and Barnet groups were treated to a magical morning at Kensington Palace.
Families enjoyed crafts, sensory play, light refreshments and a beautiful sensory storytelling experience, a walk and of course, a visit with Santa.
A huge thank you to Kensington Palace for creating such a special experience for our single-parent families.
As we wave goodbye to the festive season, we are delighted to welcome new volunteers and groups into our community.
We are pleased to introduce Ayse, who has joined our team of volunteers and is running a group in Sleaford.
Ayse says: “I’m really looking forward to taking on the role of rookie Group Lead for our new Sleaford group. After spending so many years single parenting quietly in the shadows, it feels great to finally step out and get involved in the community. I can’t wait to meet other local single parents and help create a friendly, supportive space where we can all come together.”
Thank you to all our group leads and members for everything you do, we can’t wait to see what the next few months bring!
