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“Mum wants to know if you can spare a cup of sugar please?”

(53 Posts)
kittylester Wed 07-Dec-22 15:47:18

Nice to see you GA.

I am really proud of our village in that we have warm spaces open every single day of the week - offering a place to sit in the warm, companionship and refreshments. We also have places offering free (or heavily discounted) warm lunches. We have a food collection point and a distribution point.

Our village pulled together in the lock downs and many initiatives were started that are still ongoing.

So, I have high hopes that no one would go without. Maybe not quite the same as years ago though.

biglouis Wed 07-Dec-22 15:41:09

Yes I gew up in a neighbourhood like that. However I believe people now often do not want to "become involved" with neighbours. Having once got enmeshed with an elderly neighbour and finding myself functioning as her PA I now keep to myself so I dont get lumbered again.

grannyactivist Wed 07-Dec-22 15:34:38

This was the mantra of my childhood, although the question could also encompass a shilling for the gas/electric, a couple of ciggies, a spoonful of coffee, or a pound “until Friday”.

We lived hand to mouth when I was a child, but there were a few neighbours who could usually be relied upon to help out until pay day. Later, as a completely broke single mum, I never asked anyone for help (although it was given unasked for by my local church) and we simply went without at times.

With people struggling so much nowadays, I wonder if there will be a resurgence of neighbours and friends helping out - I know many families already do - or whether foodbanks have taken the place of the kind neighbour?