The annual Black Santa Sit-out for charities, founded by Dean Sammy Crooks in 1976, takes place on the steps of St Anne's Cathedral in the weeks before Christmas every year. Dean Stephen Forde began his sixth Black Santa Sit-out in December 2023 .

For the 2023 Sit-out funds raised for 120 local Charities will include those charities which have a special focus on supporting people who are most impacted by the "Cost of Living Crisis"; those dealing with the impact of drug abuse; and those who whose bereavements were most impacted by the Covid pandemic. All funds raised were distributed at the Good Samaritans Service held on the first Sunday in February, at which £171,000 was distributed.

However, fundraising for the Black Santa Appeal continues all year round and your donation will be very welcome at any time and will help us to help others in our community.  

Please note the total shown on the Enthuse site is for online donations only and does not include additional cash or postal donations.