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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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Audrie57 Thu 07-May-20 15:41:38

I have had to Isolate right from the very beginning,also my neighbour, is in the same boat. We did however have a brief chat whilst I was filling my bird feeders,and she was sat under a Parasol so we were well apart. I asked how she was, and she asked how I was. I had a call from the community Nurse checking everything was OK,and gave me a number to ring. I haven't as I don't need anything. The chemist rang the doorbell to tell me my trays were there. The next time he posted them through the letterbox. The postie has rang the bell and gone to the gate and left a parcel on the doorstep several times and asked if everything is ok. I had a chat with the GP. My son has been fantastic, and his wife, he has gone back to work this week. His wife has a date to return about the end of May so if I need anything they get it for me. Everything is ticking along nicely. My son rings to check to see what I am doing, and we have so many chats, I talk to my sister in Aussie all the time, its free calls night and day with the Whatsapp so that's great. So I have not really noticed lock down as I am busy doing what ever.

peanutmum Thu 07-May-20 00:05:41

It works both ways.
It is good to give to all, not just money, but time and skills, …..
It is good to receive when you need or unable to do ………
Makes the world go round in a mutual way and it gives a warm glow

Tulabelle Wed 06-May-20 19:32:07

Being part of your community enriches life in so many ways. It fosters a sense of belonging and identity, and enables you to pass on your knowledge and life skills to others through participation in group and activities. And it enables you to forge new friendships with those of all ages, contributing to keeping an open mind, staying young in outlook and making sure that feelings of loneliness are kept to a minimum.

HE8ME8HM Wed 06-May-20 17:07:01

It is so important for everyone to stay connected. I try and keep hobbies like gardening that can be talked about with all ages of people in my family!

Oldbat1 Wed 06-May-20 16:28:07

We all need one another. So much can be learned across all age groups. I live in a small town where the community is very strong and very supportive.

LizH13 Wed 06-May-20 16:16:26

Very important. Being part of a community keeps you connected, we do need each other regardless of how much we may wish to keep ourselves to ourselves, this pandemic has proved that.

nichay Wed 06-May-20 13:17:20

It is important to feel a connection but I think this can be hard for young people who may not appreciate the benefits.

Sarahvwomble Wed 06-May-20 11:18:03

It's really essential and also pleasurable! Sadly over the years as a carer been quite cut off from even this friendly village....but to all know a bit about each other and be there in good times and bad is wonderful, so many folk now lonely and isolated which is a dreadful shame.

Nixxy Wed 06-May-20 10:42:08

I love being connected to all ages in the community! But do find it is harder to stay connected with the younger crowd now my kids are older.

christijojo123 Wed 06-May-20 10:42:04

It's very important for all ages to interconnect in the community and work together and help each other as a whole.

VickyH1965 Wed 06-May-20 10:41:44

Community is what we all have in "common". No matter what our backgrounds or beliefs we all chose to live in the same community and therefore are responsible for ensuring it is a safe, vibrant and supportive place for all to share.

Linnyloots Wed 06-May-20 10:38:30

Its essential, its our nature to be part of something bigger than ourselves, a sense of belonging and a reason to do and grow!

hutchy73 Wed 06-May-20 00:13:15

At the moment - very important . There haven’t been many positives but communities pulling together is definitely one of them

lwkns Tue 05-May-20 23:34:15

It is important. But, in some areas it is really difficult to feel part of a community as others don't seem to want to.

ShewhomustbeEbayed Tue 05-May-20 23:25:39

Important as it encourages people to feel loyalty towards the community and protective of it, ensuring that people try and fit in and abide by the social mores. If we encourage children to be part of a community and lead by example then hopefully society will be better for it.

Playfulgilly Tue 05-May-20 23:02:44

I think it's very important for people of all ages as it keeps communities for future generations, Activities like scouts help to encourage youngsters to get involved and take pride in their community

dahlia08 Tue 05-May-20 21:40:33

Very important. Everyone should keep in touch with family and friends. Important for people with mental health as well to be part of the community and get help as it is a stressful time

ykellock Tue 05-May-20 20:09:07

It's really important for all people of all ages to be connected as we can all bring different levels of assistance, knowledge and help each other. We can all learn many great things from each other and use them to our advantage.

shyhb Tue 05-May-20 19:13:09

I think it’s very important for people of all ages to feel connected to the community.

dcavender123 Tue 05-May-20 11:21:40

being connected to others around us is healthy for us as a well balanced society. This is a great lesson from an early age so that we associate being sociable with others a great pathway to living in a happier world.

CatterySlave1 Tue 05-May-20 11:21:16

I think Society in general has gotten more insular and into “looking after number one”, which would include immediate family. Obviously there’s those shining lights exceptions but this pandemic has made me pleasantly surprised that, after the initial fear and hoarding quickly passed, people started to look beyond just themselves. I think walking around their neighbourhood has helped massively because you can’t help but say hello to fellow regulars (especially with a dog) and then realise that they’ve lived on your street for years! We all need to remember the simple lessons of connection with others- our own families, wider families and friends online and our local community, and ensure that after this is all over we don’t forget that we are better people right now and don’t slide back into the anonymity of our cars and commuter towns.

rowyn Tue 05-May-20 10:06:44

Connection brings a sense of belonging, which in turn brings appreciation, loyalty and relationships.

anabanana Tue 05-May-20 09:57:00

There are many kinds of community, physical and online. It is important that people of all ages are able to choose what community they feel most engaged with. i.e., it is entirely up to the individual.

gohlass Tue 05-May-20 00:58:45

it is very important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community both for mental health and pysical health.

bikerbill Mon 04-May-20 19:49:03

I think it is very important to feel part of a community and its so much better when all ages are connected