THIS WEEKEND, millions of people across the UK, including tens of thousands of people in Wales, will take part in The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out, which runs from June 5 – 8. Hosted by the Eden Project, the idea is to bring people together in their community, to boost community spirit, make new friends and connections, and have the opportunity to make a difference to the community where they live.
There are more events than ever taking place in South Wales; from a Big Beach Clean-up and sandcastle competition at Aberafan Beach, to a street party in Canton, to a Big Help Out and painting fences at Zipworld in Hirwaun to a Big Community Big Lunch with a cake making competition in Splott, a Queer Collective Big Lunch in Llanelli to several events at local schools and community centres across South Wales.
Bethan Wallace is a Trustee of Pathfinders Cymru, a community-led charity supporting children and young people with learning challenges, neurodiversity and additional needs. They have organised a Big Help Out to build a new community garden for the children and young people they care for;
Bethan said: “The Big Help Out is an opportunity for us to work together with volunteers from the community, to create a garden for the young people and their families.
“It’s also an opportunity for people to see the difference you can make, and the benefits you can experience when you volunteer locally.
“Our neurodiverse children need consistency when it comes to the volunteers they engage with, and now, thanks to a recent funding from the WCVA, we can provide training opportunities and new skillsets for our volunteers.
“The Big Help Out will be an opportunity for new volunteers to engage with our children, and learn how we can give something back to them. We can’t wait!”
In Pembroke Dock, the volunteers at Pennar Hall are hosting a free warm room Big Lunch, supported by the Co-op, a leading supermarket in Wales, who are offering a limited number of £20 vouchers to support Big Lunch events.
Organiser, Helen Briskham said; “We do a lot of work with our community in Pembroke Dock.
“The Big Lunch is a fantastic opportunity for us to invite the community into the centre, to enjoy our warm room facilities and get to meet new people as they enjoy a free warm lunch together.”
Celebrities across the UK are supporting the event and encouraging everyone to get involved, and it’s not too late to arrange your own event, it can be as simple as inviting a neighbour over for tea and a Welsh cake, or doing a litter pick to spruce up your street or community garden.
Bear Grylls said: “As an adventurer, you soon learn that the great outdoors gives us everything—challenge, perspective, and life itself! It connects us to nature, and to each other.
“Now it’s our turn to have fun giving something back. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to join in with The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out on June 5-8!”
Anneka Rice, a lifelong volunteer, said: “The volunteering communities I am part of lift me up and sustain me, and I want everyone to feel this warm embrace of teamwork.
“That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to get involved In the Big Lunch and the Big Help Out on June 5-8!”
With the opportunity to host a Big Lunch event or Help Out locally, there’s more opportunities than ever for the people of Wales to get involved this year.
Lindsey Brummitt, Eden Project Programme Director, said: “If you don’t have plans yet, it’s not too late to join in – there’s still time to gather some neighbours, put your thinking caps on and make something positive happen where you live!
“Or visit our interactive map at Thebigdo.com to find an event taking place near you. Have fun!”
The Big Help Out and The Big Lunch together is made possible by funding from the Pears Foundation, Co-op and UK Government. Campaign organisers the Eden Project and a host of fellow charities including RSPB, Guide Dogs, Girlguiding, Barnardos, RNLI and Scouts are calling on people in towns, cities and villages across Wales and the rest of the UK to join in and take action where they live, making a difference to people, place and planet as a result.
Find out more by clicking here.
