Published on Thursday 01 February 2024
The Access to Food study captured insights informally over lunch and during a workshop, revealing what mattered most to lunch club attendees when accessing food.
Many of those involved shared powerful stories of feeling isolated and lonely, low in mood and a sense that there was no-one or nowhere to go to ask for help. If they ran out of food, they would often go without, as they do not want to feel like a burden by asking for help.
The Highcliffe Lunch Club also provided their only chance to socialise and meet others: “It’s the best thing I have ever done - it has been my Godsend - I need something in the diary every week where you meet people”.
Dr Kate Jupp and Stevie Corbin-Clarke from the University’s Public Involvement in Education and Research Partnership, who worked on the Access to Food study said: “Many of the participants felt socially isolated due to ill health, disability or mobility, and did not have family or friends nearby that they could ask for support. The project showed a nuanced understanding of food insecurity, with ill health, lack of motivation, mobility issues, incontinence, and isolation all contributing factors.
“The lunch club, run by Christchurch Housing Association and supported with transport by the Christchurch Community Partnership (CCP), clearly brings several benefits. It not only provides a weekly nutritious meal but vital social interaction and a sense of purpose for those that may be struggling with loneliness, a lack of support and/or lack of food. By attending, lunch club staff can 'check in' and signpost to any additional support that is available to individuals."
CCP Chief Executive Rev Sandra Prudom added: "Lunch clubs are a major part of our strategy to end social isolation and loneliness amongst our older residents. We support three clubs per week and are hoping to expand the provision, as they are a great way for attendees to make new friends by enjoying a meal together. This research is essential reading for anyone working with the isolated or marginalised in our community and we look to expand this study to find out more about how older people access food.”
The Highcliffe Lunch Club is just one of several clubs and community meals that are held across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
For further information about this study, please contact Lucy McQuillin by email: lucymcquillin@bcha.org.uk.
Notes to editors:
This study used the BU PIER Community Researcher Model which means that members of the Highcliffe Lunch Club who showed an initial curiosity, confidence, and capacity to be involved in the project could in turn become a co-researcher, talking to their peers. This project has already fed into and influenced other pieces of work with the NHS and Public Health.