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Recently we attended the London Seminars for the National Neighbourhood Watch Network. It was a very enjoyable day and a great way of finding out about the amazing work that people do in their communities.
One of these was the Big Lunch by the Eden Project. The idea is to bring communities together by holding a Big Lunch. This improves the wellbeing of people by reducing loneliness and isolation. Bringing neighbours together.
So we are supporting this amazing project.
Below there is a description of what The Big Lunch is all about. Have a look at their website https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/what-are-connected-communities
WHAT ARE CONNECTED COMMUNITIES?
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We talk a lot about connected communities and the positive outcomes that occur as a result. But what do we actually mean by the term?
Being part of a connected community means knowing who you live next to; saying hello, smiling, waving and stopping for a chat from time to time. It could mean borrowing a cup of sugar from the neighbours, or children playing in each others' back yards or together at the park, or inviting people on your street to watch the football at your place. Ultimately, connected communities are residents who look out for each other. Though there's a bit more to it than just having someone feed the cat while you're away.
We hear stories about neighbours looking after each other in times of great need, like the neighbours who rallied together to support a woman with cancer, helping take her to appointments, cook her meals and keep her company through chemo.
Or the friendship between neighbours that helped support four women through redundancy, bereavement and gender transition. Or the street that now holidays together each year.
Connected communities help tackle issues that matter to the people they live with. Like the community that runs weekly pub catch ups that give lonely people a chance to meet others. Or the woman who runs a community garden for children, teaching them about healthy eating while they learn to grow vegetables. Or the man that created a comfortable shared space in an unused commercial property, giving people a place to gather, relax, try new things like yoga and meditation, and help with personal development.
Connected communities are more resilient. They are better able to spring back when hard times hit, protect and prepare themselves against global issues, and, research shows, they are happier and healthier.
We support people to ignite, grow and foster connections within their community and believe that no step is too small. Whether it's inviting the neighbours over for dinner, organising a Big Lunch, or starting an ongoing group or project, we can help make it happen!