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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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earnshaw Wed 22-Apr-20 22:23:02

i think that on the whole we feel kind of helpless so really all we can do pull together, this is a situation that has never happened before and , mostly, we are all in the same boat

atticusfinch1048 Wed 22-Apr-20 22:49:44

well as my father's career and he also happens to be mine! At this time we cannot see my sister and my neices, and the only way we can do that it by being connected online and keep in touch. Even more important I get to see Indie their black lab who I walked whilst they were at work and college and I miss her too.

eddie494 Thu 23-Apr-20 00:02:28

Pretty vital, the current crisis is probably only making matters worse for those already feeling detached from society and a support network.

Appy Thu 23-Apr-20 00:14:50

It is extremely important. Individually we are strong, together we are unbeatable.

ruth120067 Thu 23-Apr-20 07:16:31

regardless of age, we can all feel alone and lonely - not necessarily alone to be lonely - there can be a room full of people and a person can feel lonely! Even children need human contact, it's natural xx

Stash01 Thu 23-Apr-20 08:05:27

It is essential that people stay connected with their community. Times can be hard and you will be surprised who is there to help.

DolphinTreeFrog Thu 23-Apr-20 08:58:57

Very.

grungeland Thu 23-Apr-20 09:35:09

It is very important to feel connected but also vitally important to feel needed in some way - the two go hand in hand

Redcarpetbaby Thu 23-Apr-20 10:22:16

Extremely good for the soul to stay connected to your environment. Use the local shops, help small businesses and keep food on tables of the little guys. Have great conversations and smile ?

BGB31 Thu 23-Apr-20 10:37:34

So important. I moved to a new area just a few weeks before the lockdown began. I am so grateful to find how friendly and supportive the community have been.
It has really brought home to me how important it is to feel secure and happy in your community and that applies to people of all ages.
I have been pleased to be able to support individuals and local businesses in small ways since I moved and look forward to doing so once we are out of this situation.

IWasThere4Aug12 Thu 23-Apr-20 11:21:56

Very important

Denzie123 Thu 23-Apr-20 11:36:53

More so than ever at the moment, with lockdown. All ages are vulnerable, not just the elderly and we all need interaction of some sort, whether by phone, email or just a quick hello to your neighbour or even a stranger passing by. A smile and a thankyou can also go a long way, especially to those working in shops where there are staff of all ages keeping us fed and watered!

chris2468 Thu 23-Apr-20 12:10:41

in these times it is (l believe) even more important than ever to keep in touch

AngeLu Thu 23-Apr-20 12:37:34

Community is the glue that holds us all together. It’s so important to feel that there is support and connections to others . We are better together.

happysouls Thu 23-Apr-20 13:29:26

Its absolutely essential for everyone to be connected to the community no matter the age. The anti social behaviour in my area shows what happens when people are not, they don't care the effect on everyone around them.

tangfam Thu 23-Apr-20 14:50:42

Without a connection to your community you are living life as an island. Community holds many opportunities for friends, fellowship and and a fuller life. There have been many times that I have needed a helping hand with something and my community - neighbors have helped me out and vise versa. My neighborhood is like my family.

DisneyaCoco Thu 23-Apr-20 17:03:16

Very important. It takes a village too raise a child.

Vivienl Thu 23-Apr-20 19:06:54

Yes, If you are part of something you will be happier and more caring for the others.

williamsgwynfa Thu 23-Apr-20 19:20:26

It is vitally important for people to feel part of a community. This is essential for good mental health and also is a real support for people living alone.

bec1966 Thu 23-Apr-20 20:09:37

Its very important - keeping in touch with each other (our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours) keeps us spiritually healthy

rags Thu 23-Apr-20 20:10:11

It's vitally important for our mental and physical wellbeing.

Evie64 Thu 23-Apr-20 20:36:19

I think it's imperative to feel connected with your community. Without that connection, there is no "community". The only good thing to have come out of this situation so far is that people are now more caring, talk to each other, help out elderly neighbours etc. and acknowledge each other in the street during the "daily exercise walk". I think the people I feel most sorry for, who must be finding it harder than house/garden owners, are those that live in tower blocks without even a balcony. Breaks my heart to think of a young family with small children living like that in these times especially.

kittykomp Thu 23-Apr-20 20:49:41

very important for people's sanity right now.

hamisha Thu 23-Apr-20 20:54:05

Community is everything, its the equivalent of your family (but goes much wider thanyour family), its made up of people of all ages from the youngest to the oldest, shared interests, shared friendships and at its best everyone looking out for each other. Its times like now that the importance of community and supporting each other is so very important, regardless of age.

joeyhutch78 Thu 23-Apr-20 20:59:42

I think it's really important. I like that the current crisis seems to be bringing all ages and elements of communities together.