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Win a £150 Waterstones voucher and a copy of The Switch *NOW CLOSED*

(817 Posts)
NatashaGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 17-Apr-20 10:30:29

To celebrate the release of The Switch by Beth O'Leary we're giving one lucky gransnetter the chance to win a £150 Waterstones voucher, along with a copy of the book. We're also giving two runners-up £50 worth of Waterstones vouchers each as well as a copy of the book.

More details on the prize can be found HERE and T&Cs HERE. We will pick a winner after 11am on 23rd May.

To enter simply tell us... How important is it for people of all ages to feel connected to their community?

You must be a registered Gransnet user to enter. Sign up to Gransnet HERE if you haven't done so already.

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nigelh66 Wed 22-Apr-20 14:56:27

It is very important because without a connection it is ( more ) likely that isolation will lead to poor mental health which will eventually lead to even worse feelings of desperation.

scrapgran Wed 22-Apr-20 15:03:10

Really important and something which has come home to us during this lockdown. We are members of 3 bridge clubs, one of which we run and all are a lifeline to local people. My granddaughter is part of Woking youth theatre and very community connected as is my grandson who is part of the local scout troop. Really need to get socialising again but obviously we must do it safely

Flowerpower22 Wed 22-Apr-20 15:04:10

I think it's incredibly important. In these strange times, the upside has been how well we have come to know our neighbours. We take comfort from the fact that we are all in it together and do our best to help one another.

maclinks Wed 22-Apr-20 15:06:37

It is important to feel belonging to a place, it is not your home otherwise and generally your mental health will suffer

daisydaisy1965 Wed 22-Apr-20 15:20:34

Having people to talk to and depend on, and making connections through hobbies or a social group can help reduce the risk of mental illness.

ctpulley1 Wed 22-Apr-20 15:39:50

Most definitely that everyone feels a part of the local community and area. They and we benefit by all the input.

Magsd Wed 22-Apr-20 15:40:27

It really is important to know your community especially since this pandemic started so that we can help out where we can whether it’s shopping for elderly neighbours or those shielding from the virus. Delivering medication or just chatting over the driveway / garden fence. I’ve gotten to know more people since doing the clap for carers each week than I knew before. We keep in touch through social media as well .

maryandbuzz1 Wed 22-Apr-20 15:56:24

Yes it’s very important to be connected. Just a smile and a chat can make all the difference in today’s world.

Lclaytonuk555 Wed 22-Apr-20 16:06:22

Very important but, sadly, it doesn’t always happen. Maybe easier if you have children and meet people at the school gate or maybe get to know people at church. Where we live everyone goes everywhere in their cars and people are very busy with their own lives.

adrisco Wed 22-Apr-20 17:33:40

It's essential. I have only really realised this in the past five weeks though. Unable to see my children and grandchildren, I relish seeing neighbours and fellow shoppers .. obviously at a safe distance, and exchanging a few words, or even just a "Hello" .. it makes such a difference to the day.

lloydmartin Wed 22-Apr-20 17:34:29

Too many people dismiss the elderly as no longer useful, a drain on society. They have however already contributed to much and continue to do so. Whether it is recounting their lives, imparting their wisdom, enhancing the lives of their children and grandchildren. They form a vital part of our community.

skippylane Wed 22-Apr-20 17:34:30

Important - to reduce loneliness, fear and isolation, to raise spirits and morale in difficult times and to feel loved and valued

hugshelp Wed 22-Apr-20 17:38:59

I think it's really important. We all want to be a part of something bigger and now more than ever we think of other people and the wider world though we are separated from them.

godiva1107 Wed 22-Apr-20 17:58:54

Community connectivity aids inner well-being. A sense of belonging is crucial for the human soul.

SheenaBatey123 Wed 22-Apr-20 18:01:33

It is so important as we are naturally social beings and must not become disconnected from each other at any age.

splodge Wed 22-Apr-20 18:08:34

It is very important .As the saying goes , " united we stand , divided we fall" Whatever our age , we all have contributions we can make to society , and we call all learn from each other , and bring happiness and positivity to one another .

sezz35sezz35 Wed 22-Apr-20 18:19:02

for people living alone it is very important to have a community that they can feel part of, but not just singletons it can also be very beneficial for everyone's mental health to feel included in life.

Tkcash Wed 22-Apr-20 19:04:04

Very important. Community spirit keeps people of all ages connected and lifts everyone's spirits. Much needed in times like this!

ddraig123 Wed 22-Apr-20 19:36:36

During this time of crisis it is particularly important, so that the weaker community members get the help that they need.

creativeness Wed 22-Apr-20 19:37:16

Really important to people's general well-being to connect with others even on weekly basis. Possibly starting with a hello & how are you today initially.

Strawberry Wed 22-Apr-20 20:24:34

If you feel connected to something you will take an interest in it. People of all ages have something to offer in all aspects of society so that connection and interest is vital for keeping the cohesion of society going.

chrisbishop55 Wed 22-Apr-20 20:47:49

I think it is very important and this it has become very apparent at this time. I just hope that people will continue to be 'community spirited' when it is all over. Life is almost back to how it was in the 'old days'!

tomskype Wed 22-Apr-20 21:20:14

I think at the moment it shows how important it is for everyone to be connected to our friends, families and neighbours. Making sure everyone has food and medicines that are self isolating, just showing everyone how much we all care for each other.

wifeupnorth Wed 22-Apr-20 21:23:14

It's vitaly important. Research already tells us those who feel a sense of security, belonging, and trust in their community have better health. FACT.

gd Wed 22-Apr-20 21:28:35

It depends what you mean by community.