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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?

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.