October 20, 2014 2.09 pm This story is over 112 months old

World Hello Day to bring nationalities together in Lincoln

Meet your street: People and organisations across Lincoln are being invited to say ‘hello’ to at least 10 people on November 21, in a mission to bring different nationalities together.

People and organisations across Lincoln are being invited to say ‘hello’ to at least 10 people on November 21, in a mission to bring different nationalities together.

The City of Lincoln Council is inviting people from across the city to work with them to host a variety of World Hello Day events.

Among those already committed to celebrating the day are Lincoln City Football Club Sport and Education Trust, Bishop King Primary School and Voluntary Centre Services.

This will be the second time the city council has marked World Hello Day and small grants will be available to help towards hosts’ expenses (such as teas and coffees).

Anyone wishing to apply for a World Hello Day grant should contact Heather Grover at [email protected].

Did you know?

  • The 2011 census shows there are 67 different languages spoken in Lincoln
  • At that time there were 5,259 residents whose first language was not English
  • Of these, an estimated 204 people do not speak any English and an estimated 1,192 people do not speak English well
  • An estimated 4,779 residents in Lincoln aged 65 and over live alone
  • An additional 8,917 people under the age of 65 live alone
  • 8,012 residents in the city are limited a lot in their day to day activities by illness or disability
  • There are more than 11,100 students in Lincoln
  • In 2011-12 an estimated 9,494 people (including students) moved to live in the city, 775 of these from outside the UK

World Hello Day was begun in 1973 by Brian and Michael McCormack in response to the Yom Kippur War.

The event, which is now in its 41st year, promotes peace and encourages people to get to know one another. It is celebrated annually by people in 180 countries.

Councillor Rosie Kirk, Portfolio Holder for Social Inclusion and Community Cohesion at the council, said: “To achieve this we need to talk to each other, and what better way to start conversations than through a simple ‘hello?’ You never know when a kind word from a stranger can make someone’s day.

“The council’s Community Cohesion strategy shares the main aims of World Hello Day: Improving our understanding of each other, promoting tolerance and respect through better communication.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in taking part to get in touch if they need any support.”

Last year, young people painted a graffiti wall containing ‘hello’ in different languages.

Meet the Street events in Carholme ward were an opportunity for long-term residents and students to get to know each other, and pupils at Bishop King Primary School held a tea party with then Mayor Cllr Patrick Vaughan.

The Mayor of Lincoln, Cllr Brent Charlesworth, will be taking part this year by joining clients of one of his chosen charities, Lincoln Dial-a-ride.

He said: “Dial-a-ride’s very aim supports the message behind World Hello Day. It’s not just about getting to know our neighbours but about making sure that no one is isolated or left on their own.”