It ‘is about bringing people together and making sure that everyone knows that they belong’
A Hull community church is welcoming people to its Community Christmas meal today (Wednesday, December 10). Oasis Hull, in Newland Avenue, is hosting the event between 3pm and 5pm.
It is part of seven pilot meals happening across the country under the We Are United Movement banner, each designed to “explore how simple shared meals can strengthen local community bonds and build a culture of welcome”. Organisers say the movement “aims to Unite the Kingdom, Community by Community”.
The event is open to people of all faiths and none, and of all ethnic backgrounds, who can come together over shared food. Oasis Hull says it will help create a sense of belonging at a time when many are experiencing fear, isolation or are feeling unwelcome.
Claire Thomas, leader at Oasis Hull, said: “Christmas can be joyful, but for many it can also be lonely or overwhelming. So this meal is about bringing people together and making sure that everyone knows that they belong, they are loved, they are part of our community where no one is left out.”
The We Are United Movement began in response to a growing awareness that communities across the UK are becoming increasingly divided with rising loneliness, fear and hostility affecting many. Together At Christmas is the movement’s first national initiative — a “warm, community-led invitation to connection, belonging and hope”.
It is planned for the programme to grow in 2026 as schools, charities, community groups, faith communities and neighbours “join together under one shared banner: We believe there is more that unites us than divides us — and no one should be left out”.