Motherwell and Wishaw MSP John Pentland is supporting the Big Lunch on Sunday 3rd June.

Coordinated by the Big Lottery’s Eden Project, which is dedicated to building stronger communities, the Big Lunch brings people together at events throughout the UK.

Mr Pentland said:

“The Big Lunch aims to end isolation and strengthen ties within our communities. With the increase in single person households, communities becoming more fragmented, and now rising unemployment, the need for better integration among people from all generations and backgrounds has never been greater. Any initiative which addresses that has my full support.

“The objectives of the Big Lunch are simple. Events get people together - neighbours, community groups, and friends – to eat, play music and enjoy games. In short. to have fun.

“Street parties are particularly popular. People talk, they become more positive and involved in their local community and friendships are built upon, for the betterment of the community.

“I urge neighbourhoods and other groups to get behind this and use the opportunity to make new friends, strengthen ties and generally just celebrate in our community.

“And if you are organising something, let me know. I’d love to drop in on the events in my constituency.”

To take part contact the Big Lunch (http://www.thebiglunch.com/) for information. The Big Lunch provides a “lunch pack” for any of our local neighbourhoods or groups who wish to take part in the event, and there is also a special “Jubilee Pack” for those groups who wish to use their big lunch to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on 3rd June.