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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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monarch1886 Fri 17-Apr-20 15:39:53

At times like these you appreciate your neighbours more and a camaraderie develops when everyone is looking out for each other, instead of rushing about, having no time for anything except your own little world.

maciv234 Fri 17-Apr-20 15:53:58

everyone should feel they are important regardless of age ,

LullyDully Fri 17-Apr-20 16:02:52

Society is the glue which holds us together. During this pandemic there has been proof that it does still exist, as people have supported one another. Hopefully this will carry on after all this horror is over.Let's hope so.

11unicorn Fri 17-Apr-20 16:06:59

we all need to be part of something - it's one of our basic needs. The current situation has been a wake up call for many and too often people isolate themselves without being aware, too busy with work and needing to relax when they come home.
I guess we all know how important it is to be in a community otherwise we would not gave joined the gransnet community!

laura549 Fri 17-Apr-20 16:08:38

It’s very important. Now even more than ever. Any person, no matter their age or background, can feel lonely or have health issues. It is so good to communicate and keep lines open.

Seakay Fri 17-Apr-20 16:09:46

It is absolutely vital - the degree of involvement may vary (sometimes according to preference, often according to health and situation), but we all need connections, and tend to become socially inept and possibly depressed when they are removed due to personal illness, financial problems or the current situation.

freesia Fri 17-Apr-20 16:15:40

Staying connected is a vital key to fulfillment; the current situation whereby so many are unavoidably isolated has shown how important it is for all age groups to remain in touch by some means, and to be part of a caring community.

Rejhass Fri 17-Apr-20 16:25:57

Community means all ages

Morgie52 Fri 17-Apr-20 16:27:00

It is very important. People of all ages benefit from human contact and engaging with others. Whether we are old, young or middle aged we all need to know someone is there.

mjk01 Fri 17-Apr-20 16:34:38

Recent events have shown that regardless of age or backgrounds people are all pulling together to support the more vulnerable within the community. We seem to have gone back to a bygone era. Hopefully when things go back to 'normal' the community spirit will remain.

brizy830 Fri 17-Apr-20 16:37:57

Vitally important. Research shows that lonliness is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes per day

Annapops Fri 17-Apr-20 16:42:33

To feel you belong and are wanted, needed and loved and can give the same back to others too.

Lorraine379 Fri 17-Apr-20 16:44:42

It is important for everyone of all ages to feel connected to their community. Make an effort to know your neighbours and help those in need at the moment. Encourage the youngsters to help the older generation, benefits to them both.

Lclaytonuk555 Fri 17-Apr-20 16:55:16

Very much. We’ve lived in our house for eight years but only now starting to feel part of the community. This is due to our lovely neighbours and a recent WhatsAp group. The NHS clapping has helped too.

kaylion Fri 17-Apr-20 16:59:45

I think its very important esspecially in the current crisis to feel a connection to your community. Its far too easy to feel isolated and just saying a few words to your neighbours can make all the difference. Humans are social creatures we do better together.

mlesleyk Fri 17-Apr-20 17:09:19

If people are not connected to a community thats when you start seeing society breakdown

cabdy Fri 17-Apr-20 17:09:24

Absolutely vital, we learn so much from one another, and give comfort and strength.

hellymart Fri 17-Apr-20 17:09:25

It's vital - especially for those who live alone, whether young or old. One good thing that might come out of the Coronavirus pandemic, is that we all realise the importance of community and how much we rely and need each other.

Crandally Fri 17-Apr-20 17:16:59

There is no real community if all age groups don't come together.

skyedog Fri 17-Apr-20 17:31:38

It's important to have a sense of belonging to your local community and this begins with your friends and neighbours. I have joined local online social media groups and have learned so much about local community groups and businesses, and how they are supporting the community. I live in a village but was unaware of the full range of activities going on within this area. It's a vibrant community where everyone is welcomed and looked after.

Andrea1 Fri 17-Apr-20 17:42:31

It is really important for mental health even more so at the moment. I hope when all these strange times are over that people still care for each other as they are doing now.

DiJones Fri 17-Apr-20 18:09:39

The most important thing is that this crisis-led connection is maintained after the nightmare is over.

Karen08 Fri 17-Apr-20 18:28:04

It's extremely important, as has been shown in these difficult times. It's been heartwarming to see so many people of all ages reaching out to help others. It would be lovely to see this continue.

amtucks Fri 17-Apr-20 18:31:03

More so now than ever!! Every generation have people who are lonely and do not have the chance to mix in normal circumstances. This may be for varying reasons, disability etc. Now is the time to engage fully with loved ones and with neighbours/ new faces (online etc)
It would be a lovely legacy for 2020 to be the year that England got the real community feel back and the inclusion for all those in need

eastanglian Fri 17-Apr-20 18:50:15

Its very important to society working - when a sense of being part of the community means staying safe. Also helps to see and receive messages from others experiencing the same problems as you are .