Make Lunch Anglesey

 

School holidays for Katherine, Lee and their six children used to be overwhelming. The challenge of entertaining four boys under the age of 8 and two pre-teen daughters was hard, both physically and emotionally. 

The family lives on Anglesey, one of the toughest regions in the UK for low economic prosperity - in fact, where they live has some of the highest levels of deprivation on the island. On a tight budget, there’s no extra money for family outings or transport, meaning few opportunities for fun and connection beyond their own four walls. “We’d lost a sense of ourselves,” recalls Katherine.  

Lee struggles with his mental health and their son, Brynlee (7), has additional needs. Being cooped up together as a family of eight was a strain on everyone. 

All of that began to change when Katherine and Lee received support from the Lighthouse Church Make Lunch club during Covid. The club provided them with parcel provisions, vital help that demonstrated there was a community of people nearby who cared. 

For the past two years, the family has been attending the club in person. Discovering a warm, welcoming space that offers their children laughter, crafts, a hot meal and a nurturing atmosphere meant it quickly became a central part of their lives. “Being here is exciting for the children,” says Katherine. “They are out of the house, it’s a different environment and it gives them a chance to meet new people and make friends. They come here, have fun, do arts and crafts, we get to relax, and they feel safe.” 

Lee suffers from social anxiety but finds it isn’t triggered when they attend Make Lunch. Not only does Make Lunch provide food and activities, but it also gives a sense of belonging for the parents as well as the children. “It’s relaxing and comforting. I feel like I am supposed to be here - like there’s a purpose for me here,” says Lee. “You get a sense of belonging as soon as you walk in.” 

The same is true for Brynlee, who has ADHD and autism. Despite the lively bustle of the club, Brynlee feels secure at Make Lunch: “It’s a safe, controlled environment for him,” says Lee. 

What started as a simple lunch club has become a lifeline for this family and many others like them. The warmth of the Lighthouse Church community, led by Kirsty and supported by leaders like Dylan and a team of volunteers, has quietly transformed lives, not through grand gestures, but with consistency, kindness, and shared meals. 

The transformation in Tahlia (11) and Leeanna (9) is evident, with both growing in confidence through time spent at the club. Tahlia recently became a young volunteer, serving drinks and helping the other volunteers. “I like coming to Make Lunch because it makes me feel like I can be myself. It makes me feel happy.” Leeanna agrees: “It’s noisy, exciting and fun. I want to go back - I feel more confident!” 

Talking to the leaders, volunteers and families, it’s striking that in creating a community everyone is benefitting. “Running Make Lunch is a way of building community on the island and showing our love and concern for the people of the island,” says Dylan. 

Lee and Katherine’s family is living proof of what happens when a community shows up with open arms and a hot ‘paned’ (Welsh for a cuppa!). It’s not just about food. It’s about connection, dignity, and the rebuilding of hope.  In Tahlia’s words, “It’s like a big, happy family!”