Big Lunch NI inviting good community ideas

Big Lunch Extras helps individuals across the UK change their local area for the better. From oil-buying clubs reducing fuel poverty to mental health support for men in the community, each NI activist started with a great idea and is taking it forward to make a big difference locally.

Big Lunch Extras is supported by the Big Lottery Fund and part of an Eden Project Programme.

NI Manager Grainne McCloskey said: “Big Lunches are easy to organise – and with everyone playing a small part it leads to a big result. The lunches are a lot of fun and often lead to even bigger ideas.

“If you already have some good community ideas, get in touch. Big Lunch Extras begins with a three-day residential camp at the Eden Project in Cornwall and offers a mixture of practical help designed to bring an eclectic mix of volunteers from across the UK together, to share ideas with each other to achieve their ambitions at a local level.

“We are planning our next weekend residential camp for 22-25 April and there is still time to apply. So if you have a good idea for your community get in touch with us at The Big Lunch Northern Ireland on Facebook.”

For anyone interested there is still loads of time to organise a Big Lunch day.

Visit www.thebiglunch.com to apply for your free pack full of tips and easy-to-follow guidance.

The main date this year is June 12 – but it is your Big Lunch and can be whenever you like.

The company said it’s now the biggest UK get together for neighbours and this year their aim is to get 10 million people to take part.

Joanne McDowell, Northern Ireland Director of The Big Lottery Fund, said: “Big Lunches provide an opportunity for people of all ages to come together to share experiences and get closer to their communities.

“Big Lunch Extras shows just how much of an impact The Big Lunch can have on local areas.

“We are delighted to continue our support for this great idea and are really looking forward to seeing all the Big Lunches in 2016.”

A spokesperson for the Big Lunch said: “Big Lunches are loads of fun and a great way to bring neighbours closer together – and clearly local people want to be part of the biggest street party ever, with an estimated 10m people set to take part across the UK this year.

“As well as having a great time, eating lovely local food and building community spirit, some Big Lunches go on to be so much more.

“Across Northern Ireland there is a network of people making great things happen locally since their own Big Lunch.”