Talking to a neighbour highlight for many
Research carried out by The Big Lunch has found that while feelings of loneliness are on the rise, the simple act of talking to neighbour is seen by those questioned in the South West as not only a way to brighten someone’s day, but as a lifeline for those who live alone.
The study - carried out by Lottery funded initiative The Big Lunch - the UK’s annual get together for neighbours – found that for some people in the South West, talking with a neighbour is one of the highlights of their day. More than a fifth of those questioned in the region say they are flattered by the interest when a neighbour makes the effort to talk to them. More than a third say it makes them feel that they matter and are less invisible and almost two-thirds of people said it makes them feel happier.
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall said: “As the proud Patron of The Big Lunch, I've always enjoyed seeing people sharing food, having fun and simply chatting with their neighbours. Just taking time to talk can make such a difference to lonely lives.
“I've been told that after Big Lunches people are inspired to get together and help each other. Walk-to-school rotas, babysitting circles and cleaned-up children’s playgrounds are all results of these small beginnings.
“Big Lunches bring people together who might otherwise be overlooked. A knock on the door or a friendly chat over the fence can make elderly or lonely neighbours part of the community again. Big things come from Big Lunches and small talk is often the way to getting the ball rolling.”
Tracey Robbins, Programme Manager, Neighbourhood Approaches to Loneliness, from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “We know from past work that our relationships are central to our wellbeing. We’ve recently undertaken work within four neighbourhoods around loneliness and it was evident that ‘kindness in communities’, connectedness and those informal support networks are key to reducing loneliness and isolation for ourselves, our friends, neighbours and our local communities. It could happen over a cup of tea, if someone has something on their mind and needs to share it," she adds. "Many of these things are everyday invisible acts, ‘gifts of time’ which almost go unnoticed. People tend not to stop and think too much about the value they have.”
The Big Lunch research highlights that there is more to be done when it comes to making small talk with our neighbours as 45% of people admit they have got at least one neighbour they have never said ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’ to. One in twenty say they have never engaged in small talk with a neighbour, while another one in twenty admits it’s been years.
Clinical Psychologist Tanya Byron said: “It is very easy to trivialise 'small talk' as tedious and time wasting, but in fact taking the time to have meaningful but minimal interactions is very important. These are the conversations that have meaning and benefit our immediate community and wider society. They are free, take no time and are impactful. These moments are humanising and are an important acknowledgement of the individual. In taking the trouble to talk to your neighbour you may also be helping to reduce their sense of loneliness.”
The small talk that happens in communities is a lifeline for many and The Big Lunch is calling on everyone in the UK to boost the conversations happening in streets and gardens nationwide. Chatty neighbours in Devon are being encouraged to host a Big Lunch event in their communities on Sunday 1 June to spread small talk further and build community bonds. Anyone interested in organising a Big Lunch in their area is invited to request a free Big Lunch pack from www.thebiglunch.com to get their events off the ground.
Clare Ryan-Dodd, who works with the Exeter University Chaplaincy, will be organising her second Big Lunch this year for staff, students and local residents. She said: “It was great to see The Big Lunch acting as an ice breaker for many people, including myself as I had only been in the role for a few months and it was a great chance to get to know people better.
“The event was also a good way of highlighting the Chaplaincy and making people aware of the services we offer, so that if they have any problems or need advice later on in the year, they know where they can turn to.”
The Big Lunch – made possible by the Big Lottery Fund - is expecting millions of people to take part on Sunday 1 June 2014. For more information about holding a Big Lunch in Devon request a free pack online at www.thebiglunch.com. Packs contain invitations and posters to adapt for each community, as well as seeds, a bunting template and an inspiration booklet with lots of ideas and info to help get started.
