In one of London's most deprived postcodes, a simple community meal has sparked a national movement aimed at tackling loneliness and division. The inaugural 'Together at Christmas' event, held at the Oasis St Martin's Village hub in Tulse Hill, South London, served as a pilot for a campaign with an ambitious goal: to host 1,000 similar community meals across the UK by Christmas 2026.
A Festive Response to Rising Division
The December 2025 gathering in Tulse Hill saw a long table laden with food, from cheese sandwiches to beetroot cake, under the glow of festive lights. This was more than just a party; it was the first step in a concerted effort by the We Are United coalition. This group, formed of grassroots leaders, faith groups, charities, and businesses, is responding to concerns about increasing societal polarisation.
"Many of us right across the UK are concerned that our society is becoming increasingly divided," said Steve Chalke MBE, founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust. "We're troubled as we see a rising tide of fear, loneliness, blame, marginalisation, intimidation and even open hostility."
Chalke explained that 'Together at Christmas' is the movement's first national initiative—a direct, community-led answer to division. "Rather than respond with debate or division, We Are United chose something much older and more powerful – sharing a meal," he stated.
Countering Narratives with Shared Tables
The initiative comes amid a backdrop where Christmas itself has become politicised. In December, far-right activist Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) led a carol concert in Central London to "put the Christ back into Christmas," framing it as a reclamation of heritage. Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who some falsely claimed had 'cancelled Christmas', emphasised the message of 'Love Thy Neighbour' at his own carol service.
'Together at Christmas' seeks to sidestep these debates entirely. The meals are free to attend, designed to foster connection between neighbours from all backgrounds. "This isn't just a meal – it's an act of community," Chalke emphasised. "It's about saying, 'you matter, you belong, and no-one here is left out'.''
National Reach from Hull to Slough
The pilot phase in late 2025 saw events spring up nationwide. In Hull, the Oasis Church hall served 95 Christmas meals to 110 people, including locals, families from Romania, Poland, Nigeria, and India, and members of the homeless community. "It's been a joy to see so many people from different backgrounds, some of them trying out pulling a Christmas cracker for the first time," said hub leader Claire Thomas.
In Slough, the Oasis Britwell Hub, hosted by AJ Café, served a three-course meal for 85 people, featuring Algerian soup, traditional turkey, and Asian desserts. Julie Siddiqi MBE, Lady Mayoress of Slough Borough Council, highlighted the positive ethos. "I love this idea, because I don't want to be against something – I want to be for something," she said. "In truth, we really need each other. People need people."
Further events were held in London's Waterloo and at Oasis Academy in Oldham, where students discussed combating division.
Building Bridges in Tulse Hill
Back at the original Tulse Hill event, the spirit of unity was palpable. Christoff Taylor, founder of Young Creatives UK and a former gang member, observed the diverse crowd. "If I say that a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew came together it sounds like the start of a bad joke," he remarked. "But it should be normal."
Taylor, who mentors young people vulnerable to gang violence, stressed the urgent need for such connection. "The young people we work with grow up with racism and inequality. I've had children I work with die since I started... We need to come together."
The organisers now look to the future. With the pilot phase complete, the focus is on mobilising communities for December 2026. The vision is simple yet profound: to replicate the warmth and welcome of the Tulse Hill meal in over 1,000 villages, towns, and cities, proving that shared food and conversation remain a powerful antidote to isolation and strife.
