Over the past year, our warm spaces lunches have become an important part of the community, offering both social connection and practical support. Attendance data shows that the majority of participants, 64%, come every month, with a further 32% attending occasionally, and just 5% joining for the first time. This demonstrates not only that the lunches are well-attended, but also that they are successfully retaining participants, building a consistent and welcoming environment.
One of the strongest impacts of the lunches has been on community connection. An overwhelming 91% of attendees reported that coming to the lunches helped them feel more connected to others, while only a small proportion, 5%, felt “No” difference, and another 5% felt “Somewhat.” This shows that the lunches are achieving their primary goal of fostering relationships and a sense of belonging. This is further supported by the responses regarding friendships and relationships: 75% of participants said they had made new friends or strengthened existing relationships by attending, with just 19% reporting no change and 6% indicating “Somewhat.” It is clear that these lunches are helping people build meaningful social ties, which is a key factor in reducing isolation and promoting wellbeing.
The lunches also make a tangible difference to participants’ day-to-day lives. Sixty-four percent said the warm space positively impacted their day or week, 23% said it made “A little” difference, and only 5% said “No.” This highlights the role of the lunches in improving overall wellbeing, providing a consistent source of support and comfort in people’s weekly routines. In addition to social benefits, the warm spaces are a valuable source of information and practical advice. Over half of attendees (55%) reported receiving helpful information, advice, or resources, with 32% sometimes receiving support and 14% saying “No.” This demonstrates that the lunches are not only social hubs but also places where people can access practical help and guidance when needed. This year we have been supported by NHS Health Point, Police Scotland, Fire Safety Scotland and REAP.
When asked to rate their overall experience, participants were overwhelmingly positive. Fifty-nine percent rated their experience as “Excellent,” 27% as “Very good,” and 14% as “Good,” with no one rating “Fair” or “Poor.” This high level of satisfaction reflects the meaningful impact the lunches are having on attendees’ lives, offering not just food, but friendship, support, and a sense of community.
Overall, the Warm Spaces lunches are proving to be a vital resource in the community, helping to reduce isolation, foster connections, and improve wellbeing. High levels of regular attendance, positive social outcomes, and practical support underline the success of this initiative, highlighting its value both to individual participants and to the wider community. Below, you can see what attendees felt were the best aspects of attending the lunches. We look forward to welcoming everyone again in the Autumn.
