This December, over 1,400 Greene King-managed pubs will host a ‘Community Table’ day as part of the company’s ‘Closer Communities’ year-round programme. The initiative aims to support individuals who may be more vulnerable to loneliness, offering extra companionship and support during the festive season.
The programme aims to bring together up to 11,000 people with a free two-course festive meal, offering much-needed companionship to individuals within their local communities during the holiday season.
The initiative follows new research from the Eden Project, Greene King's charity partner, which found that 1 in 8 UK adults (13%) report feeling lonely often or always. The research highlights that people most affected by severe loneliness include individuals with disabilities, those from minority ethnic groups, and people with low household incomes.
This is not the first collaboration between Greene King and the Eden Project. Earlier this year, Greene King sponsored the Eden Project’s Big Lunch, during which more than 350 of its pubs hosted local community events throughout June.
Andrew Bush, Chief Experience Officer at Greene King, said: “Our pubs are at the heart of communities across the country, helping to foster connections and bring people from different walks of life together in one place.
“We’re proud to play our part in spreading some holiday cheer by supporting up to 11,000 people who either play an important role within their communities or who may otherwise spend the festive season alone, ensuring everyone feels included during this special time of year.”
Lindsey Brummitt, Eden Project Programme Director said: “Our research shows the worrying extent of loneliness in the UK. Anyone can feel lonely, but certain groups are struggling more. Greene King’s support for The Big Lunch gives anyone and everyone a chance to meet and make friends in June, and we know that joining in these neighbourhood events helps millions of people to feel less lonely every year.
“We’re delighted to be working together on Greene King’s ‘Community Tables’ to extend another special opportunity for people to get together to enjoy a meal and the warmth of friendship this winter. Knowing how many people out there may be feeling lonely should encourage us all to think about what else we can do to reach out to others at this festive time of year.”
