Janine GriffithsMore than 120 residents, businesses and community organisations came together in Chapeltown earlier this month for a Big Lunch event celebrating local connections and neighbourhood spirit.
The event was organised by Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise as part of the Eden Project’s annual Big Lunch initiative, which encourages neighbours across the UK to come together over food and friendship.
Originally planned to take place in the car park at Leeds Media Centre, the event was moved at short notice to the nearby Leeds Caribbean and African Centre after torrential rain.
Alongside Unity housing tenants and local residents, organisations including Leeds Federated, Feel Good Factor, Leeds Involving People, Advonet, Chapeltown Neighbourhood Forum, Yorkshire Dance and Leeds Health Awareness attended to showcase the support and services available in the area.
Rhiannon Olliver, Unity Homes and Enterprise Customer and Community Lead, said: “All of the organisations that came along showcased their services on offer in the Chapeltown area.
“Several referrals were made and Leeds Health Awareness took people’s blood pressure for a quick lunchtime MOT.
“Local residents brought and shared dishes for a collective lunch featuring food from many different cultures.”
The gathering also provided an opportunity for residents to meet one another while enjoying food from a range of cultures in a relaxed setting.
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “It was a wonderfully upbeat occasion with the best of everyday life in Chapeltown on show.
“We are especially grateful to Leeds Caribbean and African Centre for making their facilities available to us at short notice.
“New friendships and contacts were made, as people came together to share a love of food and community.”
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