People in Cornwall are being invited to a free event at Higher Culloden Farm in Camelford on Saturday, November 18. It aims to strengthen local connections and educate the community about sustainable growing, cooking and eating. Organised by Eden Project Communities and Nourish Kernow CIC, the family fun day presents an antidote to increased levels of loneliness exacerbated by the high cost of living. 

Recent data from Eden Project Communities shows that human connection is set to suffer this winter, with 21.7 million people* being forced to shrink their Christmas social plans this year due to the high cost of living, despite 57% of people saying that socialising with others during the festive season is important to their wellbeing, outranking receiving presents (24%) and spending money on treating themselves (19%).

Amid rising concerns about levels of loneliness and isolation, a new campaign from Eden Project Communities is calling on people to sustain vital connections where they live by reaching out to others and taking part in affordable social activities over the colder months.

As part of the Winter Warmers campaign, Nourish Kernow is joining forces for an interactive day for people of all ages who are interested in community action and sustainable living. Taking place from 11.00 to 15.30, the event will see guests enjoying activities centred around food sharing, embracing nature and volunteering.

Nourish Kernow CIC is a new growing regenerative market garden for Camelford community based in the heart of town and run by Spencer Rabey and Becca Payne, with help from a few volunteers. Recently launched, it aims to supply local people with home-grown wholesome food that nourishes the body and community activities to nurture the soul.

Activities on offer include a tour of the market garden area, including opportunities to get your hands dirty and muck in, as well as learn more about the organisation, its plans and ways to volunteer. Guests can also gather around the campfire with Eden Project Communities to toast cinnamon sugar apples and marshmallows and find out more about ways to connect your community this winter, enjoy a wild forest school session with Woodland Spirit, or explore the farm on a scavenger hunt. Local chef Jess Sneyd will be on hand to keep everyone fed with a delicious lunch of chilli, nachos and toppings. 

Molly Newberry, Community Network Developer for the South West, said: “Our recent research reveals that socialising is often the first thing that people have to cut back on when tightening their belts, which is why opportunities to bring people together and sustain local connections are more important than ever for our wellbeing. We’re so excited to see people in Kernow come together at this amazing location for a wholesome and mood-boosting day full of great food and even better company!”

Spencer Rabey, Director of Nourish Kernow, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to come together at the Market Garden Discovery Day, to find out all about Nourish Kernow CIC and be part of our exciting plans. Whether you want to get your hands dirty as a regular volunteer, take part as a group or just enjoy some healthy veg, there will be so many opportunities to get involved and this is the day to find out more.”

The event forms part of Eden Project Communities’ national Winter Warmers campaign, which aims to spread connection, human warmth and hope through activities that bring people together and nurture community spirit during the colder winter months. 

Ideas range from grabbing some mince pies and knocking on a neighbour’s door for a chat to a community Big Dig for neighbours to get together to plant a tree or spring bulbs, or even a reverse advent calendar to share and pass on items to good causes this winter. 

Winter Warmers is a campaign from Eden Project Communities, the people behind The Big Lunch and Month of Community made possible by The National Lottery, to bring people together, strengthening local connections that can help make life better for everyone. 

Places at the Market Garden Discovery Day are limited. Book your place at https://events.more-human.co.uk/event/1697442941117x716644793772933100

Find out more and download free Winter Warmer resources at www.edenprojectcommunities.com/winter-warmers