More than 1,400 Greene King managed pubs will host a Community Table day this month, part of the pubco’s year-round Closer Communities programme.
The scheme is designed to support those who may be more vulnerable to feelings of loneliness, with the Community Table day providing extra support over the festive period.
This comes as the latest research from the Eden Project — the charity partnering with Greene King for this initiative — found that one in eight UK adults (13%) report feeling lonely often or always.
The charity found that those most affected by severe loneliness are women, younger adults, people with a disability, people from minority ethnic groups, and people on low household income.
This is not the first collaboration between Greene King and the Eden Project, with the pub group previously sponsoring the latter’s Big Lunch, during which more than 350 of its pubs hosted local community events throughout June.
“Our pubs are at the heart of communities across the country, helping to foster connections and bring people from different walks of life together in one place,” said Andrew Bush, chief experience officer at Greene King.
“We’re proud to play our part in spreading some holiday cheer by supporting up to 11,000 people who either play an important role within their communities or who may otherwise spend the festive season alone, ensuring everyone feels included during this special time of year.”
Lindsey Brummitt, programme director at the Eden Project, added: “Our research shows the worrying extent of loneliness in the UK. Anyone can feel lonely, but certain groups are struggling more.
“Greene King’s support for The Big Lunch gives anyone and everyone a chance to meet and make friends in June, and we know that joining in these neighbourhood events helps millions of people to feel less lonely every year.
“We’re delighted to be working together on Greene King’s Community Tables to extend another special opportunity for people to get together to enjoy a meal and the warmth of friendship this winter. Knowing how many people out there may be feeling lonely should encourage us all to think about what else we can do to reach out to others at this festive time of year!”
