Growing Connections: A Better Future for Our Communities

Introduction

This report is intended for funders, partners and organisations interested in:

• community resilience

• participation

• local wellbeing

• It explains how the Eden Project Communities:

• strengthen social connection

• build confidence

• support community‑led action

These programmes are UK wide. They include initiatives such as The Big Lunch, Community Camps and the Network.

Methodology

The report looks at:

• participant surveys

• annual engagement data

• case studies

• event records

• feedback from organisers

• accounts of the community action that took place

Findings

Eden Project Communities significantly strengthens community connection across the UK.

In 2022, 17.2 million people took part in The Big Lunch and Big Jubilee Lunch, with:

• 82% feeling more connected

• 77% reporting a stronger sense of belonging

• nearly 30 million new friendships created

Over £70 million has been raised for local causes since 2016.

The Month of Community events:

• reached 20 million people

• helped reduce loneliness

• encouraged volunteering

Community Camps led to more than 1,000 new initiatives. They strengthened confidence, skills and motivation among participants.

The Network provided learning and peer support, and 92% of members applied new skills that benefited their communities.