Origin stories, foxy social transformation and radical futures
As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, Giroscope presents Giroscope 40: Lunch Plus, a lunchtime series bringing people, food and ideas together to reflect on four decades of community action and imagine what comes next.
Our Origin Story: Reflecting on the Journey
The Our Origin Story trilogy of panel discussions explores Giroscope’s radical roots, DIY culture and grassroots activism. We trace the organisation’s journey from early self-help housing to its evolving role in cultural, political and neighbourhood renewal action.
Bringing together long-time collaborators, researchers, practitioners and thinkers, these sessions share lived experience and ask how lessons from the past can shape responses to today’s challenges.
Hosted at St Matthew’s Community Enterprise Centre, discussions explore:
- The DIY ethos behind Giroscope
- How communities and direct action have changed over forty years
- Housing, self-help and northern networks of solidarity
- What radical, community-led futures could look like
Each event features panel discussion and Q&A, with time to connect over a free lunch from Kitchen 23.
Lunch Plus: Where Stories Turn into Action
Lunch Plus is also about doing. Events include Radical Making for Northern Artists with Charlotte Raffo from the Monkey Puzzle Tree, and playful approaches to social change in How to Become a Fox with 3 Stages of Succession.
Whether you’re interested in the roots of community activism, arts and social change, or simply good food and conversation, Lunch Plus offers an open, welcoming space to connect and learn.
Celebrating 40 Years – And Still Becoming
For four decades, Giroscope has revitalised empty homes and nurtured creative and political action across Hull and beyond. Lunch Plus carries that legacy forward, turning experience into a living dialogue and shaping collective visions for the future.
More Lunch Plus events are coming throughout 2026. Everyone is welcome at the table.
