Emmaus community unites for The Big Lunch

More than 150 diners attended the first Big Lunch of the year at homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley.

Emmaus Mossley teamed up with Eden Project Communities to host an early version of The Big Lunch to inspire individuals and other charities.

The huge communal lunch was enjoyed by local residents, supporters, beneficiaries, volunteers and staff at the charity.

Gordon Collinge, one of the people supported at Emmaus Mossley, said: “I thought it was an absolutely fantastic event and a great turn out.

"I made the soups and then sat down to enjoy the food with everyone.

"It was great to see all walks of life socialising and eating together in a really friendly environment.

"It was an awesome day.”

Every year, The Big Lunch brings millions of people together right across the UK to share friendship, food and fun.

The idea is simple - everyone is invited, anyone can join in and whatever food people bring to the table is there to be shared.

Sarah Boniface from The Big Lunch added: “Emmaus Mossley created the most fantastic buzz with people sharing food, laughing and chatting.

"It was like being in a room filled with sunshine on an otherwise rainy day.

"Emmaus have shown what The Big Lunch is all about; it’s about bringing people together, because great things happen when they do.

"Let’s hope their event inspires others to give The Big Lunch a go on June 6 and 7.”

Across the UK as a whole, over 6 million people take part in The Big Lunch each year, with more than 4.5 million new connections made last year alone.

Big Lunch events take place on the first weekend in June every year and is about people sitting down to eat, drink and chat with their neighbours.

Alison Hill, Director of Emmaus Mossley, added: “Our first Big Lunch event at Emmaus Mossley was everything we hoped it would be and much more.

"It was great to see lots of our community members, friends and supporters bring food to the table to be enjoyed by everyone.

"This event has definitely inspired us to host more Big Lunch events in the future.”

Emmaus Mossley supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a stable home and work in a community setting.

While at Emmaus, people are given the opportunity to help to run the Secondhand Superstore, complete training and develop their skills.

For more information about The Big Lunch, visit: www.thebiglunch.com

To find out more and support Emmaus Mossley, head to: www.emmaus.org.uk/mossley

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