Workshops are taking place across Scotland to spread the positivity that can be created by bringing communities together
An initiative which aims to bring communities together over lunch is set to expand across Scotland.
The Eden Projects Communities team are taking to the highways and byways of Scotland to spread the message of how The Big Lunch can be a fun and enjoyable way to change your community for the better.
The series of workshops will explore the reasons behind The Big Lunch, working with groups and individuals to discuss the ‘big’ in The Big Lunch and the vital part it can play in community life whether it consists of four people, or 400.
The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project made possible by the National Lottery, and together they want as many people as possible to get into the picnic spirit, grab a blanket, some sandwiches, their neighbours and friends, and have a Big Lunch on the first weekend of June.
More than 40,000 people in Scotland took part in the project last year and those who did reported feeling more connected, less lonely and more empowered to make positive change where they live as a result of doing so.
Big Lunch workshops
Monday 25 Feb – Lesser Hall, Forres
Tuesday 26 Feb – The Royal British Legion Social Club,
Thurso
Wednesday 27 Feb – SWI Hall, Kirkwall
Monday 18 March – Kirkcaldy
Tuesday 19 March – Banchory
Thursday 21 March – Alloa
The Eden Project found 82% of participants felt it had a positive impact on their community and 74% made new friends that they wanted to stay in touch with.
The team are hoping to provide plenty of inspiration, looking at how and why you might help to organise a Big Lunch in your street, building, garden, community centre, local park or anywhere else you want to. The last hour of the workshop will feature a mini Big Lunch of and participants are asked to bring along some food to share.
Sandra Brown, Scotland country manager, of Eden Project Communities said: “We are trying to make sure that, on its 10th anniversary, 2019 is the biggest year ever for The Big Lunch in Scotland.
“By going directly out into communities up and down Scotland, we are hoping to take the messages of what The Big Lunch can achieve to the heart of where it matters. We’d love to bring together folk who have done a Big Lunch in the past, those who have never heard of it – and everyone in between who wants to make a positive change where they live.”
“We know that great things happen when people get together for a Big Lunch and we want people all over Scotland to take the plunge and spread the magic.”
Workshops are taking place from now until April, and if you would like to know more or attend, please email Sandra Brown, [email protected]
