THE EDEN Project hosted The Big Lunch On Belonging last week on Thursday, February 2, to celebrate the UK publication of On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation, by activist, educator and founder of the Samuel Centre of Social Connectedness, Kim Samuel.
The non-fiction debut highlights the modern paradox that, despite technology connecting the world in more ways than ever before, feelings of isolation and disconnection have never felt more rampant.
On Belonging features interviews with prominent figures from the world of sport, music, medicine, business, culture and advocacy and shares rousing tales of hardship and triumph in a bid to inspire readers to 'embrace their communities' and 'strive for positive change in a world in which they feel they belong.'
An audience of more than 65 guests, comprising leaders from local community-based projects, beneficiaries, members and supporters of Eden’s work within the local community, were welcomed to the Mediterranean Biome to enjoy freshly-prepared food, each other’s company and to hear from Kim and special guest speakers, including life-long activist and former monk Satish Kumar.
Eden’s Chief Purpose Officer, Peter Stewart, said: "It’s been a privilege to be able to welcome Kim here with the launch of On Belonging. This book is just so important on so many levels.
"When you think of all the challenges that we are facing as humans on this planet, some of them are small and some of them are of huge scale, but all of them can be faced and tackled if we have a sense of belonging. Together, wonderful things are possible."
On choosing Eden as the location for her UK book launch, Kim said: "Even while I was still writing the book, I knew that it would be a dream come true to launch it at the home of The Big Lunch.
"To bring people together in the way The Big Lunch does, to connect with one another and meet with people that may not have met otherwise felt so natural."
Every June, The Big Lunch brings people from across the UK together in a nationwide act of community friendship. Last year more than 13 million people surveyed said The Big Lunch made them feel like they belonged more in their community.
This May, The Coronation Big Lunch is an official part of HM King Charles III and The Queen Consort’s Coronation Weekend on 6–8 May.
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