Get Togethers Community News
Despite social distancing throughout Covid-19, we’re thrilled Get Togethers is continuing to bring people together over good food – at a time when friendships and community spirit are needed most. There’s nothing better than sharing delicious food with old friends and new!
Friendships
Nearly 90%1 of Get Together organisers either agreed or strongly agreed that their activities created new friendships or developed friendships – either in-person or virtually.
It’s the International Day of Friendship on 30th July – why not celebrate with your next Get Together? Register your event here
Health and wellbeing
Over 90% of Get Together organisers agreed or strongly agreed that the Get Togethers activities supported people’s health and wellbeing.
More to come!
Nearly 80% of Get Together organisers are planning to run more FFL Get Together activities in future.
Are you one of them? Let us know! Register your event here
Big Lunch Small Grant Successes
Men United is a Northern Ireland group for men over 55, with some members in their 90s. They welcome members from different religious and ethnic backgrounds from across the Belfast area. They had originally planned an indoor cooking session to help men learn to cook for themselves. However, ongoing Covid restrictions meant they had to find a new plan. Instead, the group walked around the forest at Stormont which was chosen for its accessible routes, and shared a delicious picnic. The group fed back that the friendships they made was the most important aspect of the day, closely followed by the superb picnic!
Last month we shared *Ysgol Y Deri*Special School in Penarth’s story. They received a Get Togethers small grant, helping to fund their Big Lunch picnic to thank key workers. You can now get a sneaky peek of how their activity went. From whipping up wraps and salads in the kitchen, to delivering packed up picnics to supermarkets and hospitals. There was even homemade lemonade to wash it all down!
Our small grants are opening for applications in the next couple of weeks – keep your eyes on our social media to find out more!
Visit the Royal Voluntary Service’s Virtual Village Hall
The Royal Voluntary Service’s Virtual Village Hall is a free online activity hub and community. Launched when Covid-19 hit, the hub aims to help people keep physically and mentally active, connected to others and having fun. From beginners ballet to joining a boy and his dad cooking Katsu Curry together, there is something for everyone. Sessions are live-streamed daily on Facebook You can take part in real time or view on-demand via the Royal Voluntary Service website or Virtual Village Hall YouTube channel