More than a Mealtime‘s Shared Tables project brings people, who might otherwise be eating on their own, together for a meal in a local restaurant. The project has been extremely successful; the meals happen regularly, sustained by volunteer hosts, and many people make plans to get together independently outside of the scheduled meals. 

One of the participants, John, says Shared Tables appealed to him because he is not too keen on larger groups like coffee mornings. He was looking to meet some new people and get the sense of belonging that you “can’t get from television.” 

He has made deeper connections with people in his community whom he previously only knew by name or in passing. “It’s nice to see and recognise people when I’m out.” 

He also told us that some of his Shared Table friends came to visit him when he broke his arm and were able to recommend a source of home help.

Shared Tables has been a springboard for John to get involved with other activities at Cross Gates Good Neighbours, such as the art class and walking group. He would encourage anyone who might be feeling lonely to come along to one of the meals and join in the fun.