Nattering with the neighbours could be a thing of the past according to a recent survey by The Big Lunch.
More than three quarters of the 4000 respondents felt that people were closer to their neighbours 20 years ago than they are today.
The survey also revealed:
- 1 in 5 has never spoken to our neighbours
- Almost three quarters wouldn’t introduce ourselves to a new neighbour or aren’t sure we’d even bother to say hello
- 40% don’t know our neighbours names
- 50% haven’t chatted with a neighbour in the last month
That’s where The Big Lunch comes in! The event began in 2009, with the aim of encouraging friendlier, safer neighbourhoods where people can come together to meet, greet, swap, sing, play and laugh. All for no other reason than we all need to do this nowadays more than ever!
Last year more than six million people took to their streets and gardens, and in 2019 the event will be spread over two days for the first time.
Television presenter and comedian Jo Brand is one of The Big Lunch’s ambassadors.
“At a time when the country feels so divided and disconnected, it seems more important than ever to come together and remember the importance of community spirit,” she said.
“It’s such a shame that so many people don’t even know the people they live closest to. The Big Lunch is the perfect way to address this.”
The Big Lunch takes places June 1-2, 2019. Check local listings for events near you.
Click here to see how you can get involved.
For more on charities supported by The People’s Friend, click here.
Iain McDonald I am the Digital Content Editor at the “Friend”, making me responsible for managing the flow of interesting and entertaining content on the magazine’s website and social media channels.
