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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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heatherjw Mon 04-May-20 18:11:08

Differnt generations can live far apart in many families so i feel it is helpful for people to feel part of a community where the needs of multiple generations and social groups can be taken into account. Without a sense of community there is a risk we see life and everything that it throws at us though a single, restricted lens.

kwal Mon 04-May-20 17:55:09

A connection to a community gives us a sense of worth and safety.

Cnet9516 Mon 04-May-20 16:29:06

I think it is fundamental for all ages to feel connected as a community. I have noticed this more during lockdown! We have taught my nan how to use technology so we can keep in contact with her as she was feeling lonely. Her neighbours have been amazing delivering magazines and groceries to her door. It’s imperative for everyone’s mental health as it can be a lonely time if you’re not feeling connected. Everyone wants a sense of well-being whether it’s from friends, activities, family or community we all want to belong. The crisis has made us realise who we are and not overwhelmed with materialism but with a sense of community. The 8pm Thursday clap everyone is checking on their neighbours those young and old. Rather than saying goodbye we’re now saying ‘stay safe’. There are positives in every negative

Happyhound Mon 04-May-20 15:28:02

It's nice to be connected and it can help wellbeing, but I certainly don't think it's essential. The level of connection can vary too. Some people enjoy their privacy and are happy with just a friendly wave, others want to get involved in a number of ways. Respect for other people should be the basis for relationships.

Wilsa Mon 04-May-20 15:00:05

It's been wonderful to see communities coming together in these difficult times. Old and young are doing so much to help each other. I think it's extremely important that we all respect and value our good neighbours.

deskline Mon 04-May-20 14:05:40

everyone wants to feel 'a part' of something family or community so i would say yes very important.

julietk Mon 04-May-20 13:21:22

Very - everyone should feel connected, or the community is not properly inclusive... and people suffer because of it...

regor57 Mon 04-May-20 13:11:27

A sense of belonging is a human need, just like the need for food and shelter. Feeling that you belong is most important in seeing value in life and in coping with intensely painful emotions. ... A sense of belonging to a greater community improves your motivation, health, and happiness.

MoonB61 Mon 04-May-20 12:12:08

Without a connection there simply wouldn't be a society.
It's wonderful how communities have come together and look after eachother

Mitchypop Mon 04-May-20 11:53:11

Since the beginning of humans, all people in the group from babies to the elderly were included. It is this need, according to Maslow that is fundamental for a persons survival.

MissAW Mon 04-May-20 10:47:14

Now, more than ever, we're learning the importance of connection, of reaching out, of looking after one another.

GrannyKathryn Mon 04-May-20 10:44:20

Now more than ever it is important to feel part of the community. For those in isolation, knowing they can ask neighbours for support shopping, picking up meds etc can make all the difference. A little consideration and kindness goes a long way in making the world a better place.

francisdelima Mon 04-May-20 10:20:53

It is vitally important that people of all ages feel connected to the community as every individual has varied and valued gifts, skills and talents to bring to a community and every age group has its own unique perspectives too. All individuals and groups contribute in a wholesome way to communal wealth - to the commonwealth of any community!

Superselena Mon 04-May-20 08:45:23

Hugely, I work in a hostel with teenagers and so many are losing those connection skills due to modern technology.

Now more than ever staying connected and talking to neighbours is more important than ever.

dahlia08 Sun 03-May-20 23:10:55

It’s hugely important to people of all ages to connect with the community especially the elderly, young, high risk people......to be given all help they need in this crisis, lockdown, self isolation. Help to make them feel less stress, with shopping, homecare, electronic device like WhatsApp, so they get in touch with their friends and family. Half them stay safe.

Jacquilk Sun 03-May-20 21:08:44

Of course, it’s very important for everyone to feel connected. Especially at the moment when we are all isolated. To not have that sense of belonging would be horrible. Let’s hope this will help us build stronger communities for the future.

grannybiker Sun 03-May-20 20:39:15

I think it's very important, yet much easier for different age groups. For example children, by being in school, members of clubs like cubs or sports.
Older people can meet and socialise over shared interests for older folk.
However it's much more difficult for those in between, rushing to and from work, juggling busy lives.

kath4 Sun 03-May-20 20:28:12

As we look towards the future it's great to remember the past. Age shouldn't be a barrier

Carado Sun 03-May-20 19:10:59

It couldn't be more important than it is right now, with the lockdown preventing the generations of a family getting together in person. Phone calls etc are not the same.

sheemy Sun 03-May-20 17:18:46

It is more important than can be explained by my words alone.

kathward Sun 03-May-20 16:39:02

Contact with other people is very important for wellbeing and so there is no feeling of being forgotten. Conversation with other people stops the feeling of isolation and gives us a lift

minitess23 Sun 03-May-20 16:19:44

Now more than ever - but "community" can be defined in many different ways and doesn't need to be a "perfect" local community (which is what I always imagine community to be). It can be online, virtual or a tribe of like-minded people you connect with all around the world.

Nocona Sun 03-May-20 15:58:33

So important. Its all very well to have social media etc but that also can be very damaging as you can have a very false impression of whats going on behind closed doors and it can also make you feel inferior as to what you are up to. To have that a connection in the community via virtual and face to face (social distanced of course currently) by way of helping people or being helped reminds you of who and what is actually important in your real world and so important for wellbeing.

Esskay Sun 03-May-20 13:38:47

It's so important to feel connected to your community, but sadly many people don't. Many people seem to lack the skills to join in with others or find it more challenging to join in with the local community - which is sad.

clairewoods137 Sun 03-May-20 13:13:21

I think it's very important but especially for the young and elderly.