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Community stories

Everyone is part of a community and we want to share their stories.

Children getting red gift bags

Celebrating communities at the Big Jubilee Lunch

January 18, 2022

Sonia Hearld’s community journey started in 2009 when she and her neighbours joined forces to campaign against increasing volumes and speed of traffic through…

Garden party flag decorations

Community spirit in bloom

November 2, 2021

After being unable to socialise with her neighbours due to the pandemic, Lauren brought her community together for their very first Big Lunch!

Five woman in green space surrounded by homes kids playing in the background

Building a community from scratch

October 4, 2021

When Claire from Birmingham moved to a newly built estate in 2017, she was keen to build connections with other families in the area.…

People in a green space having lunch and socialising

Saying thank you with a Big Lunch

September 9, 2021

In 2021, a very special Big Lunch took place in Chiswick to thank volunteers at the ‘Fight Hunger Feed Hope’ Food Bank.

Group of adults wearing bee antennas

Creating a flourishing community

August 17, 2021

When mum of two Helen Alves noticed a lack of activities in her area for young families during lockdown, she decided to take action and start her own initiative…

People holding up banner with text saying hashtag one green change

A tale of re-connection at Community Camp

July 30, 2021

Community Camp is all about making connections: bringing like-minded people from across the UK together to be inspire, educate, and share with one another.

Group of neighbours outside in a garden

Neighbours – for the good times and the sad

March 27, 2023

A tribute to three much loved residents. Written by Emma Parsons-Reid Back in 2004, my husband Kevin and I moved to a little cul…

Seven volunteers posing outside for photo

Wigton Food Pantry Big Lunch for the community

June 3, 2021

The pandemic highlighted difficulties in Wigton and its surrounding area. There was a need to fight hunger, bring the community together, and encourage better…

Family walking through forest

We’re transforming neglected areas into community spaces

April 21, 2021

Grow N22 is a community project in North London which transforms unlikely, disused and neglected spaces across Haringey into vibrant community gardens and growing…

Group of people outside on a sunny day

Carlisle Council

April 21, 2021

Carlisle, the 'urban capital' of the County of Cumbria in NW England, has a council which has been supportive of The Big Lunch since…

How we brought isolated people together — with coffee and a caravan!

April 21, 2021

Ann Osborn is the Director of the Rural Coffee Caravan in Suffolk. The mobile community cafe and information centre helps to alleviate isolation in…

Woman looking at card

How tragedy inspired Laura to bring her community together with a Big Lunch

April 21, 2021

Laura has lived on Spencer Road, Northampton, for years, but like many in the UK, she’s never really known her neighbours - until recently.…