Residents across the borough are being invited to bring their local communities together with the help of Hackney Council to celebrate The Big Lunch 2024.

The Council’s Housing Services are once again supporting the national initiative designed to bring neighbours and communities closer together by sharing a few hours of ‘food, friendship and fun’.

The services’ Resident Participation Team are providing grants of up to £750 for people living in a Hackney Council home wanting to hold an event for the Big Lunch which will be held on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June.

To be eligible for funding, applications must be made from a home managed by Hackney Council and events must be inclusive, accessible and benefit all local residents. 

In previous years, resident groups have organised themed events including face painting and international dishes that residents have produced and provided on the day.  Last year events were held to mark the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Queen Consort.

Groups, who have until Sunday 14 April to apply for the funding, also need to have appropriate safeguarding procedures in place and carry out a risk assessment for the event or activity.

Details of how to apply and information on the range of other funding available through the Council to help communities come together can be found at https://hackney.gov.uk/housing-funding-streams

People living on one of the Council’s estates can get help from the Resident Participation Team in the planning of activities and identifying suppliers. They can be contacted on 020 8356 7850 or by emailing get.involved@hackney.gov.uk

A range of helpful tips, advice and support can also be found on the Big Lunch website https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch