Open Lunch (2021 to 2022)

Open Lunch was a social project I ran for two summers after the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, aimed at easing isolation, loneliness and burnout.

In 2021 I noticed a number of people in my personal network reporting that they had become increasingly isolated following the prolonged periods of lockdown.

Many said they were still unsure about returning to indoor networking events, friends were still hesitant to meet up, and restrictions remained at their workplace around using communal areas (if they weren’t working from home, spending all day at their kitchen table).

In response I organised weekly ‘Open Lunches’, taking place at SPARK:YORK, an outdoor community space. Anyone was welcome to attend, with attendees encouraged to purchase and wear an Open Lunch badge to indicate they were taking part and Open To Talk.

The badges cost £2.50 and all proceeds were donated to Bereaved Children Support York.

The project ran from July to October 2021, then May to September 2022.