Two women sharing a moment of connection with a warm hug at a community The Big Lunch

Our big impact

The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours and communities.

This year, The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out teamed up on 5-8 June for a weekend of friendship, food, fun and action!

But it’s more than just one day—independent research* shows that The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out create lasting connections and benefits for individuals and communities.

Our highlights from 2026 Download the infographic

Each year, people across the UK make time to get to know each other a little better with a Big Lunch. But beyond the chatter, games, bunting, and cupcakes, those shared moments of conversation and connection have a much deeper and lasting impact.

From neighbours sharing food and fun to litter picks that tidy up the town, The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to do something positive where they live.

Finally met the bloke upstairs, turns out he’s sound, we just talked about football all day.
Big Lunch participant

Here’s what we’ve achieved together

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Big Lunches held since 2009

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people took part in 2026 alone (1 in 5 people!)

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agree that joining in is good for their mental health and wellbeing

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say that The Big Lunch has helped them feel they belong more in their communitiy

0 in 5

say taking part has made them personally feel less lonely

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feel inspired to get more involved in volunteering

Download the 2026 infographic

*Independent research collected from The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out nationally representative survey, the Month of Community nationally representative survey and two organisers surveys, June and July 2026.

Anneka Rice walks with a litter picker next to a child - they both look like they're having fun!

Anneka Rice joined The Good Shepherd Primary School for a special Big Help Out

Encouraging people to lend a hand

The Big Lunch teamed up with The Big Help Out this year, to encourage people to lend a hand as part of their celebrations.

We know that doing something to help others can make you feel better, and improve things for your community. Almost two thirds (62%) of the general population that have volunteered recently felt optimistic about the future of their local area, compared to just a quarter (25%) of those who had never volunteered.

This year’s extraordinary turnout for The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out underlines the importance of creating simple, accessible opportunities for people to connect with their neighbours and play a part in their communities.

Sparking community action

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have a better understanding of people from different backgrounds

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intend to get more involved in community activities

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feel more motivated to actively support nature and the environment

Many people who initially attended as guests have gone on to become volunteers, helping to support future events and community projects.
Event organiser

Authored by Emily Mann

As our Research Manager, Emily has been managing the research and evaluation of The Big Lunch and the Communities team’s projects since June 2022.

Following a PhD on the impact of school and community food projects, Emily worked as a post-doctoral researcher and conducted research with national and regional charities, as well as local authorities to help improve the lives of people and their communities.

She is continuously inspired by the range of projects across the UK that help build resilient communities.