Last year thousands of people came together for The Great Get Together, inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common. This weekend, to mark what would have been Jo’s 44thbirthday, events are taking place all over the country to encourage communities to get together and get to know each other. Prudhoe’s St Mary Magdalene Church Hall is holding its own event on Saturday 23rdJune from 10am-3pm- anyone is welcome to attend.
The Great Get Together is such a fantastic initiative, combatting loneliness and helping to bring people together. After last year’s events, 59% of people said that until that weekend they didn’t know their neighbours, and 83% of people who took part said that they met someone new. 78% of people said they felt more hopeful about Britain after the weekend. Loneliness affects a surprising number of us, and so I welcome the news that the Prime Minister has announced a £20 million ‘Building Connections Fund’ to tackle loneliness and help more people establish and maintain connections. Close and connected communities are so important, so even if you can’t get along to Prudhoe this weekend, why not have a get together of your own with the people around you.
