The Big (Bagel) Lunch

We were delighted to welcome more than 50 volunteers, friends of JW3, Tulip Siddiq MP and many other honoured guests to our version of the National Big Lunch on Sunday 7 June - The Big Bagel Lunch.

Held in partnership with JVN as part of the national Big Lunch initiative, the event brought people together over bagels, schmears and salads to celebrate community and connection.

Aside from debate about whether it's called a bagel or a beigel, conversations took place and stories were shared between Camden Councillors, JW3 and JVN volunteers and JW3 staff and guests.

A suggested conversation starter on 'where does your name come from' was kicked off by local MP Tulip Siddiq, who shared with attendees that her parents named her after the flower following a trip to Holland - and she continued with the floral theme in naming her daughter Azalea.

The lunch also marked Volunteers' Week, recognising the vital contribution volunteers make to JW3's community programmes, including its weekly Foodbank and cooking sessions.

Amy Mendlesohn from JW3 said: "The Big Lunch was a celebration of exactly what JW3 is - a community centre by the people, for the people and with the people. Our weekly Foodbank and cooking sessions couldn't run without our fabulous volunteers and we were delighted to recognise their contribution and honour them as part of Volunteers' Week. Partnering with JVN was the perfect way to culminate the week together, celebrating community, sharing ideas and stories and strengthening local connections for the future."