Community Post Type: News

National charity, FoodCycle, has released a research report and statistics highlighting how ‘community dining’ is the answer to tackling loneliness and food insecurity.

Written by social eating and community food systems expert, Dr Marsha Smith of Coventry University and supported by a survey of 2,000 people*, the ‘Your Place at the Table’ report shows why eating together is important in sustaining not just the physical body, but in creating the sense of belonging that underpins a healthy society and highlights why everyone should be invited to take ‘a place at the table’, regardless of income or status.

The survey found that near to 2 in 3 agree that not enough is being done by local councils to promote community dining projects.  It also highlighted that we are a nation of solo diners, with 24% saying that they eat alone every day of the week, Yet, one in two believe mental health is benefited by eating together. In terms of hurdles to finding social connection, it found that 96% of the population have not heard of community dining projects but near to one in two would attend if one was available in their area.

The report found that “anchor organisations at the heart of delivering services to communities” like FoodCycle “will help us build more resilience into our society”. It also said, during a time of crisis in the UK “the value of being able to eat with others, to share food, to feed people and to build social connections is particularly significant.”

Why is community dining so good for us?

• Eating together in groups is about more than food – shared mealtimes are social activities that deliver health and environmental benefits.
• People feel welcome and cared for and it’s an opportunity to make and meet friends.
• It builds community and social resilience, in ways that are enjoyable and destigmatising.
• The benefits aren’t just for those eating, volunteers gain too, giving them an opportunity to contribute to their community.

This is backed up by FoodCycle’s annual survey conducted in December 2022 of over 870 FoodCycle guests, which found that:

• 87% of guests say that FoodCycle makes them feel part of their community
• 81% say that attending a FoodCycle meal makes them feel less lonely
• 86% said they feel happier after coming to a FoodCycle meal
• 84% said they have made friends at a FoodCycle meal

Crucially “social isolation and loneliness are viewed as contributing to poorer general health and being closely linked with food poverty.” Therefore, FoodCycle’s model of community dining is “not just about eating together but also creates spaces and places for people to go, and to be. Fundamentally, eating together and with others not only provides the physical sustenance we need to survive but it also tethers people to a shared reality when their day-to-day life can be stressful or lonely.” 

Finally, the report found that “FoodCycle creates moments of commensality showing that they are responding to people’s need to socialise in warm, welcoming, social spaces. Sitting and eating a nutritious hot meal and having time to digest food in a relaxed, warm, and comfortable setting is something everyone cherishes. For people experiencing hardships, this need is even greater. Mealtimes are not about the making the world a better place as much as making a place for better worlds.”

Dr Marsha Smith says “FoodCycle Projects offering opportunities to eat with others should be viewed as anchor organisations at the heart of delivering services to communities, and many more of them are needed.”

FoodCycle meals are open to all, and guests range from low-income families, people affected by homelessness, people who are lonely and those who cannot afford to buy food.  No questions asked, you can just turn up and take a seat.

FoodCycle is calling for local authorities, businesses and volunteers to come forward and help ensure that as many communities as possible have access to a FoodCycle meal.  You can read the full report and all recommendations here.  To get involved in other ways, visit foodcycle.org.uk 

*Survey conducted by Vital Research between 25^th November 2022 – 28^th November 2022 and comprised of 2,000 UK adults.

Mary McGrath MBE, FoodCycle CEO and Dr Marsha Smith are both available as spokespeople, as well as regional volunteers and FoodCycle team members.

About FoodCycle

FoodCycle connects communities by bringing people together to share food and conversation. Week in, week out, thousands of volunteers across the country transform surplus food into healthy, delicious meals for anyone that needs them, no questions asked. Food poverty and loneliness are growing issues, both heightened by the current cost of living crisis. By offering a warm, welcoming space to enjoy a free meal and company, FoodCycle brings people from all backgrounds and walks of live together, improving mental wellbeing and strengthening community spirit.

FoodCycle also runs a free Check-in and Chat telephone service, where volunteers make weekly calls to anyone in need of a natter.

Video – We are FoodCycle

About the research report – Your Place at the Table

To better understand the power and impact of the FoodCycle ‘community dining’ model, research was commissioned from ‘social eating’ and community food systems expert, Dr Marsha Smith (Coventry University) alongside a survey conducted by ‘Vital Research’ of 2,000 people.  Both the survey and the research were funded and co-commissioned by FoodCycle’s corporate partner and market leading vegetarian and vegan food company, Quorn Foods.

Website: www.foodcycle.org.uk

Instagram: @foodcyclehq

Facebook: @foodcycle

Twitter: @foodcycle

An arts activities guide, designed especially for people living with dementia, has launched as part of a collaboration between leading dementia specialist, Belong, and Bluecoat, Liverpool’s contemporary arts centre, offering an inspiring collection of pursuits to enhance the wellbeing of those who work with it.

‘Little Golden Moments’ brings together an array of one-to-one and group exercises in music and sound, storytelling, movement and dance, and working with clay. All have been devised by some of the country’s most acclaimed creatives commissioned by Bluecoat, and piloted by Belong for the ongoing research partnership between the organisations.

For the past four years, the relationship, entitled Where the Arts Belong, has explored the use of arts in care environments with the artists taking-up ‘arts residencies’ in Belong’s care villages, leading workshops for residents in their respective disciplines.

In response to lockdowns, a spin-off initiative, We Belong Together, supported Belong’s independent living apartment tenants and those in the wider communities it serves, helping to tackle loneliness by providing a weekly focus at a time when interaction outside of support bubbles was limited to virtual means.

Now, all the activities have been packaged as Little Golden Moments, serving as an invaluable tool for loved ones, care providers and anyone supporting someone living with dementia. With the option to tailor tasks to participants’ preferences and ability, the aim is to engage them in meaningful occupation, whilst inviting their input, such as favourite memories, personal interpretations or new ideas. The result is increased wellbeing, connection, and a sense of purpose for those involved.

Caroline Baker, head of dementia and care quality at Belong commented: “When your loved ones or those in your care live with dementia, it can be difficult to keep them engaged with worthwhile activity. We’re pleased that the Bluecoat’s work with our customers to-date means we can offer this resource to carers everywhere. I’m sure many will recognise the small, special moments they have with those they care for and this will help to bring about more positive experiences.”

Tabitha Moses, project facilitator at Bluecoat, added: “We hope Little Golden Moments will inspire creative engagement with people we love and support. Each activity has been tried and tested, both in-person and on a digital screen – all are dementia-friendly and Zoom-friendly. You don’t need to have any arts experience, just a willingness to have a go!”

Printed copies of Little Golden Moments are available at the Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX (while stocks last) or can be downloaded at the partnership’s website: http://belong.org.uk/bluecoat

 

According to UK homelessness charity Shelter, over 270,000 people in England are homeless, with another 70,000 people at imminent risk according to recent government figures. For the period of 2021-2022, Trussell Trust reported that 283,563 people had accessed their food banks, equating to over 1.5 million food parcels.

Formerly homeless rapper M!key Garland addresses Britain’s shame in their upcoming show at Hope Street Theatre in February 9th, 10th, and 11th. “Who’s Afraid of M!key Garland?” is an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant funded one-person show that contextualises the rappers debut rap album of the same name.

“Who’s Afraid of M!key Garland?” was released in June 2022, and explores Garland’s experience of homelessness in the early 2010s, and tackles themes of poverty, addiction, and mental health.

The Liverpool-based rapper submitted the tracks in the 2021 UK Songwriting Contest to enormous success. All 11 songs ranked highly in the competition with commendation and praise, and four songs, No Fools in Liverpool, Where Will Your Money Be?, Daydream, and The M.M. Effect (Crown of Thorns) reached the Semi-Finals. The album was subsequently long-listed for an International Songwriting Award.

CONTENT WARNING: This show contains flashing lights; references to domestic abuse, racism, homophobia, sexism, suicide, mental illness, death, drugs, sex, sexual assault, and violence. These themes may be triggering to some people and so audience discretion is advised. The show also contains partial nudity (not full frontal).

Tickets available through TicketQuarter

In May 1988 a law was passed that made ‘promotion’ of LGBTQI+ identities illegal across the United Kingdom. Until the early 2000s, young queer people in the UK grew up in the shadow of this oppressive law.

Now, 22 years after the law was repealed in Scotland and 20 years after its repeal in the rest of the UK, twenty-eight LGBTQI+ creatives whose upbringing was scarred by this queerphobic legislation share their phenomenal stories.

Join them as they celebrate the launch of this groundbreaking book and the incredible people who have contributed to it. With events all over the UK, they’re honouring and celebrating queer survival across the countries that Section 28 impacted.

The Liverpool launch will have readings from local contributors, Q&A, and words from the book’s editor and curator Kestral Gaian.

The event is held 9 February, 7pm, Lovelocks Coffee Shop. It’s free admission, with tickets booked through this link: https://www.outsavvy.com/tour/28book

One of the most inspiring children’s authors in the UK today, Robbie Blackhurst, is set to release his first book and donate 50% of the profit to national charity, Speech and Language UK.

‘Silent George’ will be the Liverpool author’s first independent offering and follows a timid Gorilla called George who struggles with his speech and confidence as he embarks on his first day of school. On his journey, George meets a number of characters who help him develop his confidence and find his voice.

Inspired by his son, George, who was fearful of starting school due to his speech and language difficulties, Robbie hopes ‘Silent George’ will comfort and inspire other families who have faced similar challenges.

The release of ‘Silent George’ will also be in support of Speech and Language UK, a charity that  supports the 1.7 million children* in the UK who are struggling with their talking and understanding words..

Speaking about the release of Silent George, author, Robbie Blackhurst, said:

“I wrote this book for my son, George, and I’m so excited to see how it will be received by other young children who need support with their confidence and their families. ‘Silent George’ is an endearing tale for any child who can get nervous about starting school and struggling to find their voice.

“Thanks to the support and guidance of Speech and Language UK, I hope the book acts as an inspiring story to share with any young child who might be nervous about embarking upon new milestones within their lives.”

Carol Payne, deputy chief executive of Speech and Language UK said:

“For 1.7 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feels like an impossible hurdle.  Too many children are left waiting to be understood.  We give families the confidence and skills to help their child and the story of ‘Silent George’ helps bring speech and language into the spotlight.

“We are grateful to Robbie for his support of this important issue, and his kind donation.”

Robbie Blackhurst is currently working on the next book within the ‘Silent George’ series, and aims to publish in 2023.

‘Silent George’ is available to buy via Amazon, or directly from the ‘Silent George’ website.

For more information about Robbie Blackhurst and ‘Silent George,’ visit the website, and on social media – Facebook and Instagram.

MerseyMade is taking the stress out of Christmas shopping by introducing a gifting concierge who will come up with thoughtful presents for everyone on your list, while you sit back and relax over an indulgent breakfast or a lazy lunch at its new Scribble café.

Providing a personal service for shoppers who are struggling for inspiration, as well as those who are simply too busy to spend hours scouring the shops, MerseyMade’s gifting concierge promises to find something special to delight your nearest and dearest this Christmas.

The free gifting concierge service, available to anyone dining at Scribble, begins with guests answering a few simple questions about each recipient and setting a maximum spend, which can be as little as £10. A dedicated ‘little helper’ will then search the creations of more than 100 local makers and artists, which fill the shelves at MerseyMade, to find presents guaranteed to impress family and friends.

MerseyMade has gifts to suit even the most difficult to buy for person, from the youngest to the oldest, with a treasure trove of locally made delights on offer including jewellery, scarves, make-up bags, homeware, candles, organic skincare, chocolates, biscuits, chutneys, gins and craft beers.

There is also an impressive collection of cards and original art available, produced by some of the region’s finest talent, as well as incredible prints, inspired by everything from Crosby Beach and The Three Graces to Stranger Things and Absolutely Fabulous.

A truly hassle-free Christmas shopping experience, MerseyMade’s gifting concierge promises to have presents all wrapped and ready to put under the tree by the time guests have finished their ‘Scribble Christmas Dinner Sandwich’ or ‘Brie and Cranberry Panini’, which are among the seasonal specials on the menu.

Those who prefer to enjoy a classic breakfast or lunch, while MerseyMade’s gifting helpers get to work, can opt for ‘Eggs Benny on Sourdough’, prepared with honey and mustard shredded ham hock, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and poached pears; or ‘Avocado and Lime Toast’, served with feta, caramelised onion and red wine marmalade. Alternatively, the ‘Scribble Breakfast’ makes a comforting treat with herb sausage, streaky bacon, confit tomato, homemade hash brown, mushrooms, beans, fried egg and toast. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten or dairy free options too.

An inviting escape from the hustle and bustle outside, Scribble also offers a tempting selection of cakes, bakes and pastries, which can be enjoyed with locally roasted speciality coffees, fruit teas, indulgent Belgian hot chocolates or something a little stronger such as local craft gins or real ales.

Speaking on introducing a gifting concierge to MerseyMade, Founder Vicky Gawith, said: “While we love nothing more than Christmas shopping at MerseyMade, we understand that not everyone shares our passion for choosing gifts. Scouring the shops or searching online for the perfect presents can often be a daunting experience, which is why we’re making it easy for people to treat their loved ones to thoughtful gifts without any of the stress associated with the last-minute Christmas rush.

“Whether you’re shopping for that certain someone special, your teenage niece or nephew or the grandparents, our team have a real talent for coming up with ideas to impress even the trickiest people on your Christmas list. Best of all, shopping at MerseyMade means you’re supporting local independent businesses, so why not let us do your Christmas shopping for you? Relax and enjoy a bite to eat or a glass of mulled wine at our wonderful new Scribble café and we’ll take care of the rest.”

MerseyMade also offers a wide range of gift hampers to suit all ages and interests from foodies and music lovers to film buffs and football fans with bespoke options available too. Those who prefer to choose their own presents will appreciate a MerseyMade gift card, which can be used anywhere in the shop including the Scribble café. Gift cards can also be spent on bespoke commissions from the local artists who are based in the studios at MerseyMade or any of the wine tastings and crafty workshops, which are regularly held at the creative hub.

MerseyMade is located at the historic Chancery Building on Paradise Street and there is a pop-up shop at Peter’s Lane in Liverpool ONE, which is open until 31^st January.

Find out more at merseymade.uk.

Tickets to gain entry to all five main concerts at next year’s 10th anniversary Liverpool International Jazz Festival are available now.

The Capstone Theatre on Shaw Street will play host to a jazz extravaganza from 23rd to 26th February 2023 and will feature award-winning international artists spanning a range of genres from Indo-jazz to Afro-funk and classical.

The ‘All Performances Bundle‘ ticket is the perfect gift for the jazz lover in your life; saving over £40 on the individual concert prices.

Liverpool International Jazz Festival (LIJF) was established in 2013 by Liverpool Hope University, and in previous years has included performances from some of jazz music’s leading lights. The emphasis of the festival is on contemporary instrumental jazz in a variety of styles with a focus on presenting work from an international selection of world class artists, taking audience members on a musical journey that traverses numerous genres and cross-genres.

Kicking off the festival on the 23rd February will be a special collaboration with Milap – the UK’s leading Indian arts and culture company. With original music, new improvisations and a collective harmony and groove, the Milap Indo Jazz Club will bring together some of England’s top Indian and Jazz musicians in a performance curated specially for LIJF 2023.

The show will be ‘the foremost contemporary collaboration between Indian and Jazz music in England today’ and is the result of ten years of creativity between the professionals of Milap and the National Youth Jazz Collective.

Finding inspiration can be challenging, but it sure is magical when it comes along.

Since his younger years growing up in Liverpool, Ian Fennelly has always had a passion for art, places, people and noticing the beauty in the glorious every day.  

In this wonderful new book ‘Finding Your Inspiration’, Ian reveals how to take inspiration from the world around us, documenting the shapes, the colours, and the stories we encounter in everyday life and explains how his love for Urban Sketching started in Liverpool as an art student. 

In the book Ian takes readers on a journey to Liverpool to see sketches of the city’s finest locations, including the Georgian Quarter, The Liver Buildings, Canning Dock, Matthew Street and more! 

Ian said: 

“I have been sketching and painting Liverpool ever since I was an art student. My very first inspiration was The Albert Dock, a nineteenth century warehouse complex situated on the Mersey waterfront. I fell in love with the towering dramatic buildings with deep black windows on the façade. At the time I couldn’t explain why I loved to draw them, but I knew that it made me feel happy. I knew that if I wanted to improve, this was the way forward.

I was searching for a style and my ideas were all over the place, but a passion for recording the world around me started here with The Albert Dock. Being in my local city really helped, and familiarity was a big part of my inspiration. I didn’t really have any stories to tell, but I knew I liked the look of it, and sometimes that is just the start you need.”

Since then, Ian has become one of the worlds most loved urban sketchers for his unique style, love of storytelling and engaging teaching methods. 

The book will take you on the journey with Ian as he steps out from the streets of Liverpool and on an international adventure, following the pitfalls and hurdles of Ian’s life and artistic career whilst travelling to the world. 

Visit Ian’s website here

dot-art are pleased to announce a NEW fully packed programme of Creative Courses during the Winter period of 2023.

Running from January to March next year, they have a range of classes and courses across the Liverpool city centre. A weaving workshop or darkroom course may make an excellent Christmas gift or a have yourself a self-gifting moment and design your own silver ring!

Tap into your creative side, try something new and develop your skills across a range of fantastic venues: The Bluecoat, The Reader, FACT, Baltic Creative, Liverpool Arts Bar and the dot-art Darkroom.

All courses are suitable for beginners, as well as those looking to develop or brush up on creative skills!

At The Bluecoat, they have the return of a very popular 3 week course; Beginners Acrylic Painting, starting in February. Also new for 2023 is a one day workshop to make a Recycled Silver Ring, using the wax carving method. Returning courses include Portrait Drawing, Introduction to Landscape Painting and Abstract Painting as well as a 1 day course in Introduction to Kintsugi. This unique workshop will teach you the ancient Japanese technique of Kintsugi, using non-toxic adhesives to repair cracked pottery and celebrate imperfections.

At FACT on Monday evenings, they will be holding their popular course in Drawing Techniques; as tutor Sarah-Jane says, no matter what medium you enjoy using, be it paint, pastel or clay, learning the essential drawing techniques will magnify your creative ability,

Their 10 week evening Life Drawing course moves to Monday evenings at Liverpool Arts Bar on Hope Street where it is joined by a 10 week course in Collage Art Journalling on Wednesday evenings, which will teach you to create a visual diary combining elements of collage, writing, drawing and ’zen’ doodling as a means of personal self expression.

Their ever-popular dot-art Club for creative children returns to Baltic Creative from 10.30am-12pm on Sundays. These sessions for 10-13 year olds run in six week blocks, with the next one starting on 8th January. Every week their young artists will be encouraged to develop their drawing skills and build a lifelong love of art under the expert guidance of teacher and renowned community artist Denise Wright. NEW for 2023 at Baltic Creative we also have a Sustainable Textiles Day on 11th March led by Catherine Carmyllie. The morning will focus on creating Wall Hangings and the afternoon Felt Bird Pods, covering a broad range of textile and craft based skills.

At The Reader in south Liverpool’s Calderstones Park, we have 10 week courses in Landscape Painting and Portrait Painting starting in February. Popular one day workshops in Introduction to Chinese Painting and Cyanotype return, alongside a new one day course in Introduction to Linocut in March, where you will get familiar with the methods of printmaking and develop your own print editions.

Over in the dot-art Dark Room they have two 1 day Introduction to the Darkroom workshops to learn to process your own negatives, and two Analogue Weekends, in February and April, where you will be taken through the whole process of shooting, processing and developing your own black and white film over 2 days.

Don’t forget, for experienced photographers and those who have completed one of these courses, we have also offer Darkroom Membership. Members have unlimited access to the space via their online booking system for just £195 per year or £25 per month.

Finally, they have a NEW venue, the John Lewis Community Room in Liverpool One, where they will be running a 1 day Introduction to Weaving in February, which will introduce you to the textile technique of weaving to create your own bookmark!

And if you really can’t decide or would like to give a loved one a choice of courses, they also have art class gift vouchers available, online and through the dot-art Gallery.

Full details, prices and booking information can be found here: dot-art.co.uk/art-classes. These courses often sell out, so don’t delay!