Communities across the West Midlands are being celebrated as the Eden Project’s annual celebration for neighbours and communities, The Big Lunch, receives a national kindness award from organisers of the Humility, Kindness & Love global movement, for bringing people together and strengthening neighbourhood connections.
The In Appreciation of Spreading Humility, Kindness & Love Worldwide award will be presented at the Humility, Kindness & Love (HKL) conference in Telford on 11 April, the sixth of its kind internationally since 2024, which brings together organisations focused on positive social impact. It recognises The Big Lunch’s role in creating happier, healthier and more connected communities across the UK. Up to 3,000 people are expected to attend the conference in person, with around 1 million people joining the live stream from around the world.
The Big Lunch is the Eden Project’s annual invitation for neighbours to come together over food, friendship and conversation. Since it began in 2009, millions of people have taken part, from small street gatherings to larger community celebrations. 10 million people took part in The Big Lunch last year and research shows that over 80% of participants felt their wellbeing and mental health had improved and they felt a stronger sense of belonging and community spirit as a result of joining in.
This year, The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are teaming up for the first time to create one big nationwide moment of community action. Taking place from 5–8 June 2026, the weekend will bring people together to share food, connect with neighbours and take part in volunteering opportunities in their local area.
Organisers of the HKL conference will host a Big Lunch and local communities will be part of the celebrations at the conference, with local Big Lunch organisers invited to attend the event and inspire other guests with stories of how simple acts of connection have made a real difference in their areas – from reducing loneliness to building up green spaces and tackling anti-social behaviour.
In Tamworth, Etheline Deer, Chair of Belgrave Community Allotment, has helped transform a green space at the heart of a council estate into a thriving hub for the local community. Run by a small group of senior citizens, the allotment now includes raised beds, an orchard, a wellbeing garden and wildflower areas, all managed sustainably. By joining in with The Big Lunch, Etheline has brought together residents, schools, local fire and police, and the memory café, helping to reduce loneliness and build stronger community ties.
Etheline Deer, Chair of Belgrave Community Allotment, says:
“The Big Lunch has been a wonderful way to bring people together. We’ve seen friendships form, people feeling less isolated, and a real sense of pride growing in our community. It’s fantastic to be part of Humility, Kindness & Love and to meet so many inspiring people who are just as passionate about making a difference in their communities as me.”
Tracey Robbins, Head of Communities at the Eden Project, says:
“It’s a huge honour to be presented with this award at this wonderful gathering of community-minded people. This award is a real testament to the power of community and the things that can be achieved when people come together and support one another. The Big Lunch is driven by people across the UK who are making their neighbourhoods more welcoming, connected and resilient – and we’re incredibly proud to celebrate that.”
Richard Good, Humility, Kindness & Love Board Member said:
“This is the first time we are presenting awards as part of our conference, celebrating the many acts of kindness and humility that happen every day but often go unnoticed. We are proud to recognise Eden Project’s The Big Lunch for bringing people and communities together through shared meals, helping individuals feel more connected and fostering a sense of unity and inner wellbeing.”
For more information about The Big Do and The Big Help Out visit www.thebigdo.
