07 Apr Young people set to come together at the Coronation Big Lunch
Research from the Eden Project, organiser of the Coronation Big Lunch, has found that half of all 16-24 year olds (50%) say they would like the opportunity to get to know their neighbours better, higher than the average for all UK adults of 45%.
The findings come ahead of community celebrations taking place on the 6-8 May when people everywhere are being invited to come together to share friendship, food and fun and to get to know each other a little better where they live.
It found that 49% of 16-24 year olds would like to do more for their local community than they currently do, also higher than the average for all UK adults of 41%. The study, which looked at data submitted by 4,000 UK respondents, reveals young people’s views on their community and explored the perceived barriers preventing them from playing a more active role in their local area.
More than half of people aged 16-24 (51%) feel there are no places where their local communities can get together compared to all UK adults (43). A further third (32%) admitted to not feeling a strong connection to their neighbourhood.
The news follows research conducted by the team in June of last year which found that nearly one in five 16-24 year olds (19%) feel often or always lonely compared with around one in twenty (6%) of those aged 65-75.
For those young people who are keen to get more involved in their communities, the people behind the Coronation Big Lunch are encouraging all generations to make connections at street parties, neighbourhood get-togethers, back garden BBQs and even door step picnics as a way to take part in celebrations and a moment in history on 6-8 May.
The Coronation Big Lunch, an idea from the Eden Project which is made possible by The National Lottery, will form part of the celebrations for His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort’s Coronation Weekend between 6-8 May 2023. The Queen Consort has been Patron of The Big Lunch initiative since 2013.
Tens of thousands of events are expected to take place across the United Kingdom, bringing neighbours, communities and the nation together in celebration and friendship, and raising community spirits as part of this historic occasion.
Peter Stewart LVO, Chief Purpose Officer at the Eden Project, home of the Coronation Big Lunch idea, said: “It’s encouraging to hear that young people have such an appetite for social connection, though worrying that this same group feel that places where people can get together are lacking. The Coronation Big Lunch is a real opportunity here as it can be a doorstep event – join in with a cuppa and a chat with a single neighbour, a back garden BBQ or even a street party. It is also fantastic to see the desire among younger generations to take a more active role in the community. The Coronation Big Lunch provides a perfect opportunity to get started by meeting people and making friends wherever you live. I’d encourage everyone to think about coming together to share friendship, food and fun on 6-8 May to enjoy the celebrations and hopefully make new friends along the way – it could really help people in your community – young and old – feel more connected.”
One example of a youth group aiming to bring their community together over the weekend and beyond is Project Zero, a community-based project in Walthamstow, delivering youth engagement initiatives to promote social inclusion, and reduce offending and anti-social behaviour.
Set up by Steve Barnabis, Project Zero is a community hub with a cafe, radio station, music station, event hall and editing suite, with all activity focused on offering disadvantaged young people free stimulating and creative opportunities. As well as hosting The Big Lunch each year, activities offered by Project Zero include youth clubs, workshops and holiday programmes, all offered at no cost and with hot and cold meals provided.
Passionate about reducing knife crime, Steve and his team also work closely with young people that may not be in mainstream education to create opportunities and support them with further education and employment.
Rico Thai-Richards, 19, who is part of Project Zero, said: “Anything that brings communities together must be a good thing. Young people my age are going through a lot right now so it is more important than ever to try and raise their spirits.”
Elsewhere in Morecambe, More Music is a community music and education charity based in the West End of the town, working throughout Lancashire, the North West and internationally. Their intergenerational street band, Baybeat, will be involved in the town’s festivities over the Coronation weekend.
More Music aims to build confidence and spirit in individuals and communities through creative arts activities, particularly music. They achieve this by working with people to create opportunities for personal development where participants are encouraged to take risks, are respected and discover their voice. More Music leads on work that transforms communities and develops practice that uses the arts to transform people’s lives.
Kathryn MacDonald, Director of More Music, said: “We believe that events that bring people together to share experiences and celebrate can have significant benefits for individuals and communities, in combatting loneliness, building confidence and local pride.”
The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual community celebration for neighbours and communities bringing millions of people together in a nationwide act of community friendship on the first weekend in June every year since 2009.
It’s an idea from the Eden Project made possible by The National Lottery and is supported by PG tips, Iceland and The Food Warehouse and the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust.
