Last week we hosted our third Warm Spaces Lunch at the Legion, and once again it was a really lovely afternoon. As we reached our third event, we felt it was the right time to gather some feedback from those who come along. We wanted to be sure these lunches are genuinely making a difference and offering the support we hoped they would within the community.
The survey was short and simple, but the responses were incredibly encouraging. We’re delighted to share some of the positive feedback with you, and in due course we’ll also be passing it on to The Robertson Trust, our main funder for the Warm Spaces Lunches.
The survey gave us a helpful snapshot of the age groups attending the lunches. While it’s great to see strong engagement from older residents, it also highlighted an opportunity for us to encourage more younger people to come along. Winter can be a lonely time for anyone, and having a warm place to gather, share a meal, and meet new people is something that benefits every generation in the community.
News about the lunches has spread mainly through word of mouth, as highlighted in the chart below. We’ve learned that this remains one of the most effective ways to reach people, and we’ll be encouraging those who attend to extend the invitation to neighbours and friends of all ages. When asked, 95% of participants answered that they would be happy to recommend the lunches to others. Our Community Development Officer will also be working to connect with younger members of the community, helping to widen participation and create more opportunities for people of different generations to come together
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84% percent of participants said they felt more connected to the local community since attending the lunches, while 16% were unsure. This is a really encouraging indication that the lunches are helping to strengthen social ties and give people a greater sense of belonging.
The financial impact is also clear. 85% of those surveyed felt the lunches helped them save money on food, and 55% said attending reduced the amount of heating they needed to use at home. These findings show that the Warm Spaces Lunches are not only offering friendship and community connection but are also providing very real, practical support during the colder months.
We also asked attendees how they felt after participating in the lunch, and the results were very encouraging. The majority reported feeling happier, more relaxed, or generally uplifted after attending. This demonstrates that the lunches are not only providing practical support through food and warmth but are also contributing positively to people’s mental wellbeing. It highlights the importance of these gatherings in helping to reduce feelings of isolation, providing a friendly and welcoming environment where people can connect, unwind, and enjoy a sense of community.
Below is a diagram illustrating what participants enjoy most about the lunches. Everyone who completed the survey expressed a desire for the lunches to continue, and described them as welcoming and enjoyable events that they look forward to attending.
The feedback from our warm spaces lunches has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value these events bring to the community. They not only provide a warm meal and a safe space during the colder months, but also foster connections across all generations, support mental wellbeing, and help people save money on essentials.
As we move forward, we will continue to build on this success by encouraging wider participation, particularly among younger members of the community, and by exploring opportunities to enhance the experience for all attendees. We are grateful to everyone who has taken part and look forward to continuing to create a welcoming, supportive space for all.
