By Miles Whilby, University of Bristol student on placement with Bristol Charities. As part of his placement, Miles is focusing on impact – how Bristol Charities measures it, why it is measured, and how the learning is used, drawing on experiences like Lunch Club to explore what meaningful impact really looks like in practice.
I spent some time properly engaging in the Lunch Club this week, and it was genuinely eye-opening. I was able to talk directly with people who attend, as well as support the volunteers in creating a welcoming, enjoyable experience. What stood out most wasn’t just how much the Lunch Club is valued, but why.
The biggest takeaway was clear: whilst the food is home cooked and delicious, it’s not the only thing people come for. They come for the company. The meal is a very nice bonus, but what’s truly invaluable are the relationships that form and the conversations that happen throughout the session.
Many of the people I spoke to struggle with loneliness, often following the death of a partner. For several, Lunch Club is one of the only regular activities they take part in within their local community. It’s something they genuinely look forward to, and many described it as a key highlight of their week.
There was a lot of appreciation for the idea of a hot meal cooked by someone else and shared with others. A few people spoke openly about how cooking, particularly just for themselves, has become a chore. Before losing their partner, food and cooking hadn’t been an issue — but now, finding the motivation to cook a proper hot meal alone can feel overwhelming.
What Lunch Club offers goes far beyond nutrition. It’s a space where people can sit down together, share a meal, chat over a cup of tea, and take part in activities that help them feel connected. The impact of that combination – food, conversation, and companionship, is huge for both physical and mental wellbeing.
It was also really positive to see the volunteers involved not just behind the scenes, but directly supporting the meal itself, helping plate food and serve portions. In particular, the involvement of trainees from Props was hugely valuable. Their contribution doesn’t just support the smooth running of Lunch Club; it creates meaningful opportunities for adults with learning difficulties to build confidence, skills and friendships. Seeing relationships form across groups who might not ordinarily come into contact with one another added another powerful layer of impact, and really highlighted the wider social value being created in the room.
Overall, it’s very clear how much Lunch Club means to the people who attend. Yes, it provides a hot meal for those who may struggle to cook for themselves, but just as importantly, it offers friendship, routine, and a sense of belonging.
When we talk about impact, it’s easy to become fixed on quantitative data; numbers of meals served, sessions delivered, or people through the door. While those things matter, they don’t tell the whole story. The conversations, the relationships, and the small but meaningful changes in people’s lives are just as compelling.
Listening to people’s experiences and stories of change is vital, not only to understand the true value of this work, but to learn how we can do it better.
Get involved
Lunch Club only works because of the people who make it happen, from volunteers who give their time, to supporters who help keep the meals coming and the doors open.
If you’d like to support Lunch Club, whether by volunteering, partnering with us, or helping fund this work so more people can feel connected and cared for, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make sure that a hot meal, good company, and a sense of belonging remain a highlight of the week for those who need it most.
Impact
Bristol Charities is delighted to be working with Impact Reporting Ltd on this review and exploration of impact. Together, we are developing a clear evaluation framework and practical impact measurement tools to support learning, evidence outcomes, and help sustain the future of our Community Transformation Hub. With thanks to Catherine Manning for leading this work.
