​With a Big Lunar Lunch, everyone can come to the table​

I have been hosting a Big Lunch in my local community of Bradford Moor since 2012. The events are rewarding because they are attended by people of all ages and cultures and have a very relaxing, friendly atmosphere, allowing the community to share a universal love of food whilst talking about issues that affect them.

These events are crucial because they help to address the issues around loneliness within Bradford Moor identified by the local community following our involvement in the Neighbourhood approaches to loneliness programme, funded by Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

These two initiatives were the catalysts that helped me understand the underlying challenges facing our community and they offer possible solutions. They inspired and supported me to set up a confidence building group to empower local people to make positive changes in their community, with a clear focus on reducing loneliness.

Setting up Get2Gether

Since then we have set up a charity organisation called Get2Gether (Mil Jul). We look at ways to allow the community to meet in safe spaces, to share culture and skills, break down social barriers and help people connect.

Get2Gether is a group of local women who all want to improve their community and make it a happier place to live. People want to make things better, but they lack confidence. Initially, a lot of my work focused on tackling these hurdles and building relationships within the community in order to bring about positive change.

The members of Get2Gether are now empowered ambassadors who are able to speak to members of the community about issues and implement ways to improve them.

Get2Gether holds many events, as well as The Big Lunch we also organise Cultural Community Markets. These events have grown and now over 800 people attend. The markets are safe spaces to share culture and skills and find out what is available in the community and to find out who their neighbours are — they benefit residents of all ages.

Creating opportunities for meaningful connection

What I love about The Big Lunch is the simplicity — it’s about getting together with your community to mix with different generations and cultures to have meaningful conversations with others. We share our stories, our love of food and our community. It’s a really positive event that brings people together, friendships grow, new ideas from and blossom.

The Lunar Lunch offers an alternative to the traditional lunch, which is great because some people find daytime events difficult because of working patterns, religious beliefs and difficulties in making ends meet. With a Big Lunar Lunch, everyone can come to the table!

Spreading Ramadan cheer and spirit

I have always received such positive feedback about the events we hold and people request they take place much more frequently. The Big Lunch is happening during the month of Ramadan, where the traditional lunch hour will be missed during this blessed time. So this year I will be hosting a Big Lunar Lunch at iftari time (sunset), for those in my community who will be observing the blessed month of Ramadan.