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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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Tizliz Wed 29-Apr-20 20:29:43

It can depend on the person. Whilst it is fun being part of the community it is not for some people especially if it becomes a chore

Sjonlegs Wed 29-Apr-20 13:58:31

I think it's super important for everyone to feel included within community. Before children, when myself and my husband both worked we only really knew our immediate neighbours and not particularly well. 20 years on, having gone through schools and with myself now working from home it's wonderful to truly feel part of a community. Our support network has diminished through recent times, but community has been there to pick up the pieces - which has very much helped us physically and helped us feel both included and valued. Big shout out to t'internet - with various online community groups ensuring communications are always open - even when we can't visit friends and chat to our neighbours as readily.

zulianilord Wed 29-Apr-20 13:37:14

A community is made up of all ages and therefore it is important that all ages connect and make an input so that a vast range of experience is gathered and there is something available for everyone.

Nana49 Wed 29-Apr-20 12:23:10

It is important for some people because they want to feel part of their environment in some way but for others they want to keep themselves private.
I think it's important for the majority of people to feel connected in some way or another to their community, or to contribute positively to their environment.

Rumpunch Wed 29-Apr-20 12:22:20

It's very important for people of all ages to feel valued in the community. We all have different skills, abilitys and experience which help each other out. We all need to feel wanted.

Clarkehouse Wed 29-Apr-20 12:16:38

It is very important to keep connected. It has been lovely where I live to see everyone out on a Thursday doing the clap for carers. We have a rota of people (including myself) who have volunteered for shopping trips etc. Long may it continue after the virus has gone.

IvvieN Wed 29-Apr-20 12:15:03

It’s like the parable of losing the battle because of a horse losing a nail from its shoe. If we don’t knit together as a small community, the schisms get bigger and bigger and we end up as a totally disintegrated world

ballie Wed 29-Apr-20 12:14:37

I feel it is really important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community because inclusion is very valuable in recognising their involvement and it also gives them the opportunity of sharing their views and ideas. If you can plant an acorn and it is a healthy one, you could end up with an oak tree.

finemang Wed 29-Apr-20 12:11:37

I think you don't always appreciate your community until you are in a difficult situation and then you realise how lucky you are!

otherwiseknownasGrandma Wed 29-Apr-20 11:39:19

So important today more than ever. I'm lucky enough to live in a friendly community so in these strange times there's usually someone to stop and chat with (at a safe distance) on my daily walk.

steph8 Wed 29-Apr-20 04:34:15

very important as everyone gains from being connected - young and old. There are no losers.

traceyanne Tue 28-Apr-20 22:46:33

I now live in a big city having moved here 7 years ago from a small town where I grew up...so to feel welcome in the community was amazing, we have a community facebook page where local people ask for advice, inform young and old of up coming events, advertise traders, sell items or giveaways, and give recommendations. I have met lots of lovely people through coffee and cake events, allotment days and socialising events. This has been amazing during the lockdown as neighbours and community members we offer help with shopping, book swaps, pharmacy trips and crafting ideas and friendship... stay safe everyone xx

BoneBuckingham Tue 28-Apr-20 20:57:45

I believe this is very important and beneficial in many ways!

Breeze81 Tue 28-Apr-20 20:12:24

It's very important for all ages to be part of and involved in Community. It brings happiness, prevents loneliness and gives people a sense of purpose.

sarahex1 Tue 28-Apr-20 19:37:25

Very important as it gives you are sense of purpose

sscrase Tue 28-Apr-20 17:44:47

I honestly think it varies from person to person and group to group irrespective of age. There are those who do want to keep connected to a wide local community whereas others only want family and others will rely on a more global online community. I don't think there is a hard and fast rule for anyone.

lynnalex Tue 28-Apr-20 15:42:51

Mutual help is important in these uncertain times

gran1 Tue 28-Apr-20 15:38:34

It is so important. Our street has always had parties and get together and in the current situation so many have volunteered to help others

queenie68 Tue 28-Apr-20 12:44:11

i moved up north to marry my husband and didn't know a soul and felt so lost and isolated it was really scary and didn't have the confidence to go to clubs and groups on my own but once our son was born a whole new world opened up, Everybody was stopping for a peak at the new baby and also pop 50p in his hand for luck it was wonderful and i now know what a wonderful community i live in, If our son got into mischief we knew before he came home and the same for when he did something wonderful so although he was quite unsure about community as a youngster now he has his own he realises how important it is as well as that we now know the older generation and keep an eye out for them and they know they can contact us if needed and also some of the youngsters do too

buntybaby Tue 28-Apr-20 12:39:01

It is vitally important and sadly often underrated. I work in a Hospice charity shop and we have volunteers of all ages and it is amazing to see how valuable they are to the charity and how it often gives them a sense of worth.

wondergran Tue 28-Apr-20 11:18:34

It is important for people to feel connected to their community to help create more supportive neighbourhoods and to ease social isolation.

Larsonsmum Tue 28-Apr-20 10:50:40

Vital for all ages to be part of a community, never more so than now!

rubysong Tue 28-Apr-20 09:36:27

Community helps us to know our neighbours. We may be able to help them or need their help at some time. This is why I love living in a village where nearly everyone knows each other.

Palmy Tue 28-Apr-20 07:22:29

It’s unhealthy to isolate ourselves and not be connected to others

queentwixy Mon 27-Apr-20 23:00:21

Very important-you can learn so much from each other!