Six ways to keep The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out spirit alive
If you're buzzing after your event and you're looking for the next step, there are lots of ways to keep the connections going.
1. Send a thank you note
If you held an event or took part in one locally, why not send a little follow up note to your neighbours? It’s a nice way to start the conversation about your next get together and let people know you had a lovely time. You can find thank you notes in our free resources.
2. Set up a way to keep in touch
Now you’ve met new people in your community, it’s nice to find a way to stay in touch and keep the connection going. That might be a neighbourhood WhatsApp group, a Facebook group or page, or even an email update for larger community groups. Do whatever works for your community and encourage people to share, chat and arrange their own meet-ups or events!
Nextdoor is a really helpful way to keep up with local news and share things locally. The ‘For Sale and Free’ section is a great place for selling and getting hold of things you need more cheaply. You can also set up groups and run polls – handy for planning your next event and finding dates that work for everyone!
3. Join in with the Month of Community
The Month of Community is a time to come together to celebrate everything that makes our communities great. Millions of people take part every year to cheers volunteers, connect with their neighbours, welcome refugees, support carers, raise awareness of loneliness, or simply to say thank you.
Our partners host a variety of events and things you can do, from film evenings to nominating a carer in your life. It’s a brilliant way to spread some joy and support others.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’d like to do more to support your community, we’ve got loads of resources to help you get started.
4. Browse GoVo for ways to lend a hand near you
The weekend may be over but the opportunities to lend a hand and do some good locally are still plentiful!
Browse GoVo to discover a range of volunteer roles all over the UK with all sorts of charities and good causes, from creating homes for wildlife to delivering parcels for food banks or checking accessible large-print books in your local library.
There’s something for everyone!
5. Spread a little kindness
Our research into the impact of the cost of living crisis has shown that we’re all becoming more aware of the hardship faced by others in our community and that 14% of UK adults are concerned about their own welfare and food security. But it’s heartening to also learn that one in three people want to find ways to connect and support others locally.
It doesn’t need to involve food, simply bringing in the neighbours’ bin, offering to take their dog for a walk or watching their child for a bit are lovely ways to spread a little kindness and champion true Big Lunch and Big Help Out community spirit.
6. Meet like-minded people
If you hosted a Big Lunch or Big Help Out and you loved the experience so much you want to do more, we host opportunities throughout the year to meet and connect with other community-minded people. They’re a great way to share ideas, gain useful information and contacts, and generally surround yourself with positivity.
From our regular online monthly meet-ups and online courses to community action taster days and weekends, there’s something for everyone.
