The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project. The aim is to get as many people as possible across the whole of the UK to have lunch with their neighbours annually on the first Sunday in June in a simple act of community, friendship and fun. Since starting in 2009, thousands of Big Lunches have taken place in all types of communities. In 2013, 3.65 million people took to their streets, gardens and community spaces for the fifth annual Big Lunch. The Big Lunch takes place annually on the first Sunday in June. In 2014 it was held on Sunday 1st June, in 2015 it will be Sunday 7th June. Find out more about the Evolve Conference from NCVO: http://www.ncvo.org.uk/training-and-events/evolve-conference

1. An Introduction to
The Big Lunch
Campaign
NCVO Evolve Conference
June 16th 2014

2. What is The Big Lunch?
• What: A simple idea from the Eden Project. To get as many people as possible
across the UK to get-together with their neighbours on one day a year.
• When: The Big Lunch takes place annually on the first Sunday in June.
In 2014 it was held on Sunday 1st June, in 2015 it will be Sunday 7th June.
• Who: 2009 – 750k 2014 - An estimated* 4 million people
2010 – 820k
2011 – 1.2 million
2012 – 8.5 million
2013 – 3.65 million
(Source: Annual nat rep attendance Survey 6500 people)
*2014 research in the field

3. It works:
• Key to our annual campaign is the social impact research we
conduct each year. *
• 2013 research showed:
– Big Lunches take place in all types of communities; just as many
lunches happen in deprived postcodes as in more affluent ones.
– 81% of participants felt closer to their neighbours as a result of
The Big Lunch
– 94% say it brought different generations together
– 84% met new people at their Big Lunch
– Over 60% felt less isolated following their Big Lunch
– 84% report a positive long term impact on their community
*2014 Research currently in the field

4. Big Lunch Team
• Led out of the Eden Project
• Big Lunch staff in Cornwall, London, Cardiff,
Glasgow and Belfast.
– Country managers vital to ensure relevance in
messaging in Celtic nations.
• Network agency Golley Slater deliver PR
campaign

5. 2014 Big Lunch Film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un-ooSya828

6. Campaign Communications Overview
– PR
– Social Marketing
• Organisational partnerships
• Central and local government relations
• Housing sector
– Direct communications
• Materials
• Website
• E-newsletters
• Social Media

7. Driving awareness and participation
Free Big Lunch Organiser Packs
www.thebiglunch.com
Active social media feeds

8. PR

9. Grass Roots PR Campaign
– National team: broadcast and national press
– Regional activity co-ordinated from central ‘PR Hub’ in London
– Executed by Golley Slater regional PR teams
• Country Teams: Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff
• Six regional England teams
– Coverage on 1st Sunday in June is the simple part!
– Bespoke regional micro campaigns ‘engineered’ to ensure
regional relevance January – May

10. 2013 PR Film
Due to copyright infringement laws this film
cannot be made public. If you are interested in
seeing the film, please email us at
ncvoevents@ncvo.org.uk.

11. 2014 PR Theme – “Small Talk”

12. 2014 PR Theme – “Small Talk”
– Highlighting the value of making small talk with neighbours, whilst
positioning The Big Lunch as the vehicle for communities to come together.
To raise awareness and drive registrations on www.thebiglunch.com
– Regional case studies: showcased Big Lunch neighbourhoods from across
the country
– “Chattiest Streets are the happiest streets” Survey demonstrated that:
- “In spite of small talk not coming naturally for many, two-thirds of
people said it makes them feel happier and more connected with their
community and for one in ten it was a lifeline.”
– Our Patron HRH the Duchess of Cornwall; “Take time to talk to your
neighbours”
– Celebrity / Ambassador support

13. Small Talk activation in nations in 2014:
In Wales: Derek “the weather”
Brockway leant a hand
In NI: Cross community launch on
Derry/Londonderry’s Peace Bridge
In Scotland:
On-going support
from Michelle
McManus

14. England regions activation 2014:
“Kids make the
best small talk”

15. Radio Days 2014
• In March Professor Tanya Byron
took to the airwaves to discuss
Small Talk, The Big Lunch and the
importance of tackling isolation in
communities.
• In May Tim Smit and an army of
Big Lunchers were back on air for
a second radio day as a final call to
arms to get involved.

16. Social Marketing

17. Social Marketing
• Utilising the power, trust and reach of partner organisations.
• Enables us to reach different target audiences with our messaging
• Over the past 6 years we have developed strategic partnerships with a
number of key organistations.
• Achieve ‘Editorial’ messaging through a trusted source - at a
grassroots level.
• Reciprocal communication: website content, e-newsletters, blogs,
events.
• Joint PR activity
• Minimal cost

18. Housing Associations
• We work closely with contacts in the housing sector to ensure
messaging is relevant.
• Work with organisations including Place Shapers, TPAS
Scotland, NHF, HACT, CIH.
• Showcase the social benefits The Big Lunch can bring at
minimal cost.
• Regular attendance at housing sector events.
• Supply bespoke content for website, blogs and e-bulletins.

19. Local Government and Councils
• Promote The Big Lunch through local government e-bulletins,
• Letters to CEOs and Council leaders
• Supply promotional resources and social impact data
• Work closely to supply editorial to industry titles, LCR Magazine
(NALC), The Clerk (SLCC), First Magazine (LGA) etc.
• Event at Scottish Parliament – May 2014
• Planning a similar event at Welsh Assembly in autumn.

20. Questions?