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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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suzieo1 Sun 03-May-20 11:55:59

It is so important, particularly during these strange times. Check in on your neighbours and friends everyone.

MamaCass123 Sun 03-May-20 11:22:19

The resurgence of community spirit since the lockdown has made me realise the loneliness felt by me and many others of all ages living alone. My normal would be full of family, exercise, activities, groups, social activities and friends.
Alone in my home has made me realise how important my neighbours and the community are to me and after this is all over I shall be doing some volunteering to keep this going!

Shells Sun 03-May-20 11:02:37

What you learn early on in life carries through with you.

jamiecbutt Sun 03-May-20 10:36:46

It's hugely important for a sense of community and for continued learning - for the younger generation to learn from the experiences that the older generations have experienced; and for the older generations to keep abreast of changes to technology, culture and the ever-changing world generally!

Scottieboi Sun 03-May-20 08:51:46

It’s very important for all ages to be connected and we should reach out to anyone we feel are isolated to offer our support, not just now, but at any time cafecupcake

Sys2ad2 Sun 03-May-20 08:40:11

It is very important for all ages to feel connected to the community this is shown every Thursday with clap for the NHS this should now be for other key workers like Bin men, supermarket staff and delivery drivers. I am helping neighbours with shopping and it gives me a chance to chat obviously at a safe distance

Wenz Sun 03-May-20 07:34:07

I feel it is extremely important to counter social isolation which is often felt by older members of the community and those who may not have confidence. It is important more so at this time of COVID-19 and there have already been so many acts of kindness reported. Maybe this is a chance to get back the old community cohesion of old.

jackier333 Sun 03-May-20 01:21:54

I actually don't think it is that important. I am an introverted individualist and prefer to get through life with the help of my immediate family as it makes me feel more comfortable.

Nana3 Sat 02-May-20 23:56:15

You have to seek out your community it doesn't usually come to you, even in this crisis there are some people without help. Having said that it is heartwarming the way so many have helped others over the last few months.

moanymum Sat 02-May-20 23:15:06

It can make all the difference to people's lives. Connecting between the generations is so beneficial in a world where people don't always live near their families.

JulesC4 Sat 02-May-20 22:49:41

It is extremely important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community, as it helps prevent loneliness, brings out the best in people, lowers crime rates, gives people a sense of belonging and brings everyone together. This is certainly a positive situation that has been brought to the forefront during the current climate we find ourselves in.

Flossieflyby Sat 02-May-20 22:42:44

Great to be part of a community and neighbourhood.
So important and so highlighted in present circumstances.

Ebarney Sat 02-May-20 21:29:52

How important is it for people of all ages to feel connected to their community?
The young can help the elderly by making sure no one feels neglected, this is important for everyone's mental health. They can deliver groceries or just knock on their door at a safe distance to check the elderly are ok. Its good to see people clapping for the NHS to show how supportive they are. Its important for everyone to say a simple thank you to all those on the front line: the postie, the bin men, the delivery person etc. Hopefully when we all come out of lock down people will be kinder to each and we will still appreciate everything the front line people do for us. I know I certainly have got to know more people lately who are usually at work and its nice to chat 2 metres apart over the fence.

CompGirl23 Sat 02-May-20 19:26:37

It's very important to look out for each other even more so in these current times. We can all learn from each others experiences young and old and makes the local community much more enjoyable to live in.

jayweb Sat 02-May-20 19:17:15

To feel a connection to their community is important for all ages for in numbers there is strength . A sense of belonging is a vital need for most human beings for through this connection the worth of an individual and their contribution to society is enhanced to the benefit of all.

pluckyluckyme Sat 02-May-20 18:45:02

It is important for people of all ages to feel connected and part of the community because it is good for mental health and general well-being and we have so much to learn and appreciate about each other . I think when people of all ages feel part of the community, it enriches the community and keeps us all safer.

kathrob Sat 02-May-20 17:32:34

Isolation whether enforced or not is very rarely a good thing.
Most people feel better when they have had contact with other people. mood is lifted when someone shows interest in you

chorkie Sat 02-May-20 16:54:21

At these difficult times it is so important to feel connected to our community because we all need support of some kind or other, whether it be to help a neighbour who's struggling to cope mentally with the isolation, to help the elderly or those at risk with food and medication deliveries, and to all stand on our doorsteps every Thursday evening to celebrate and thank the wonderful NHS who are taking care of communities across the whole country.

gulliver12 Sat 02-May-20 16:50:56

For most people very important but not for everyone. It would be a boring world if we were all the same.

susiesioux Sat 02-May-20 16:44:08

I think people have become closer to those in their neighbourhood and especially so if the fit and healthy are helping out the vulnerable

Paulthepython Sat 02-May-20 16:36:31

I think human connection is essential for health both physical and mental however I think community can be broadly applied to many aspects of social life and a person doesn't necessarily need that attachment to people in their immediate vicinity. I dont know anyone in my local community but then the police know my neighbours well so I don't see that as a bad thing if I'm honest :p

NannyC2 Sat 02-May-20 15:57:16

It is important to have support and love from all ages. You can serve each other share in life's joys and sorrows. The more mature can provide experience and guidance, while the young can make the older person regain a sense of vitality, fun and enjoyment. Each have gifts to share and expand in a sense of community.

Pame Sat 02-May-20 15:34:27

It is so important for people to feel connected as it gives us all something to focus on. It's up to us all to look out for one another in these strange times.

AlisonKF Sat 02-May-20 15:30:08

It is ,of course, important for everyone to be connected to local society as long as they want to be, for the feeling in old age that they are still valued and not entirely disliked. Alas, ageism gets in the way, combined with the reducing helplessness encroaching on self sufficiency: disabling physical problems, lack of transport,relatives too far away, young, working neighbours too busy and with no common basis for communication. The best connections are usually in groups of one's own age, whatever that is.

Annamaria0 Sat 02-May-20 15:24:45

Very important. Loneliness adversely affects your health - it is a public health hazard. This doesn’t just apply to older people - younger people can be lonely, too. Hopefully, we’ll understand this and act on this knowledge after the current crisis ends.