The Big Lunch

The Big Lunch came to Tameside on Friday 28 February to pilot their communal lunch concept within a charity setting.

Homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley teamed up with The Big Lunch to host the shared lunch to inspire individuals and other charities. Everyone was invited to attend and bring along a dish to share and learn about creative ways to host their own this June.

Every year, The Big Lunch brings millions of people together right across the UK to share friendship, food and fun. The idea is simple – everyone is invited, anyone can join in and whatever food people bring to the table is there to be shared.

Lindsey Brummitt, Programme Director at The Big Lunch, said: “Together with Emmaus, we’re cooking up lots of tasty new ideas to help inspire more people to tuck into The Big Lunch on 6-7 June! The pilot will help us show that for every space and setting there’s a version that will work for you.”

Across the UK as a whole, over 6 million people take part in The Big Lunch each year with more than 4.5 million new connections made last year alone. The event takes place on the first weekend in June every year and are about people sitting down to eat, drink and chat with their neighbours.

Alison Hill, Director of Emmaus Mossley, said: “We’re very excited to be partnering with The Big Lunch. Our companions, volunteers and staff have a communal lunch every day, so it’s great that we’re able to extend this idea out to the wider community. “We’re aiming to bring a few new ideas to the table that will hopefully give people the recipe for success for their own events. From sourcing pre-loved plates and cutlery to upcycling fabric into bunting, there are many ways to make it greener and more colourful.”

Emmaus Mossley supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a stable home and work in a community setting. Whilst at Emmaus, people are given the opportunity to help to run the Second-hand Superstore, complete training and develop their skills.

For more information visit www.thebiglunch.com

To find out more and support Emmaus Mossley head to www.emmaus. org.uk/Mossley

For more community news visit: https://aroundsaddleworth.co.uk/