Nineteen organisations across Sefton are funding Big Lunch events that’s to £7,395 of grants awarded by Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), Sefton Council, Sefton 4 Good and Living Well Sefton.

Strengthening social connections and promoting unity

They include Woodvale and Ainsdale Community Association’s two community events to strengthen social connections and promote unity through shared food experiences. The Hearth Network is organising a street party-style celebration at The Engine Rooms, including live music and a cake baking competition.

Pupils at Shoreside School in Southport will be enjoying the festival vibes of "Shorestock", on the school field, while Bootle Canoe & Outdoor Club will be hosting a community paddle & picnic lunch.

Community picnic

Freedom to Flourish CIC is organising a joyful community picnic that will bring together children, their grown-ups, and local residents involved in our community garden. And the Ukraine Welcome Centre will be holding a big coffee morning with a range of refreshment including its delicious cakes.

You can find details of all Sefton’s Big Lunch events here.

Sefton’s Big Lunch Fund grants are awarded through the Community Transition Fund and the Living Well Sefton Community Resilience Grant. The Big Lunch is a national initiative organised by the Eden Project.

Chance for neighbours and communities to celebrate where they live

Cllr Liz Dowd, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement said: “These Big Lunch events are a chance for neighbours and communities to get-together, have a good time and celebrate where they live. 

“I am delighted to see that organisations and groups across the Borough have come up with a range of fun activities to celebrate and bring together their communities.

“I am looking forwarded to joining some of them and tasting some of those goodies that will be on offer.”

Impressed by the range

Angela White, Chief Executive of Sefton CVS, said: “As always, we’ve been impressed at the range of constructive ways Sefton’s groups and organisations have devised for local people to get together and enjoy themselves.

“This year’s Big Lunch events will see people of all ages getting involved with at least one event involving the younger people serving older members of the community at an afternoon tea.”