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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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hollowhead Sat 23-May-20 07:46:31

I think we lost the importance of this, hopefully the virus has made us realise how much we need our communities. A slower pace of life will help.

Maggie29 Sat 23-May-20 07:35:16

At this dreadful time it’s so important. If there’s one good thing that this virus has brought it’s community spirit. Neighbours looking out for each other. Family taking care of us OAP’S. I hope everyone keeps it up once we’re back in the normal world

Beccaxxx Sat 23-May-20 07:01:13

I think it's really important for them it's good for them to no they can talk if struggling and ask for help and it's good to help it's good on both sides definitely. I set a walking club up for our community as the walking clears your head you walk in a group but with a partner and just chat it's a five mile walk once a week best thing I ever did. Can not wait to get back to it when it's safe to do so however we are all chatting via zoom at the moment

GrannyCindy Sat 23-May-20 06:55:13

It's important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community to give them a sense of having a place to call their own. To be able to walk to local shops and have people greet you and stop to have a chat makes you feel like you belong. And now more than ever, everybody is connecting more and young people are helping neighbours drop shopping and meals off at the doorsteps of people who are unable to get out, young and old stand in their gardens and streets clapping our key workers and smile at each other, learn more about each other, and the world seems to be going back to how it used to be and becoming more of a community. We have also learned what it must be like for people who are unable to leave their houses and are now going out of our way to pop notes through doors offering to put bins out, get shopping etc. We realise now that everyone needs to feel connected and how important community is.

MrsVincent01 Sat 23-May-20 06:26:33

Its vitally important to encourage all generations to be connected to our community. We need to teach the young, share memories, knowledge and love and teach others to do the same. The young still have their dreams and enthusiasm the mums and dads still need their mums and dads. We are all connected in the circle of life and the circle of our community.

debbie365 Sat 23-May-20 05:42:27

It is so important this social distantcing is not healthy

tiddles12 Sat 23-May-20 05:04:03

As long as you have a loving partner and good friends, I am not sure that it is that important to be connected

SatanicGoth Sat 23-May-20 03:10:52

It’s very important for a community to connect especially during these testing times. Our local community has worked together to swap books and toys, host stalls selling treats and drinks on VE Day and keeping our children busy with scavenger hunts and stone painting all while social distancing.

Sspeedy18 Sat 23-May-20 03:06:53

Very important as talking helps clarify what you are feeling & doesn’t go round & round magnifying in your head all night.
Write down feelings & keep them to look back on.

Chrisfrombrum Sat 23-May-20 02:06:08

It's more than important, it gives them a sense of purpose

Craigfrombrum Sat 23-May-20 02:05:21

It is very important

lindseylofty Sat 23-May-20 01:26:43

I love how people have come together to help each other, either with small acts of kindness such as baking for your neighbour or through organisations and voluntary opportunities, like the army of home sewers & mask makers. It's been heartwarming and such a positive outcome from this pandemic

EmilyTowne Sat 23-May-20 00:41:17

It is so important for everyone to feel connected in order to feel apart of something bigger than themselves. Especially in these different times it is vital for many people’s mental health to have connections to each other even if it’s just to send a funny picture or share a joke. To check in on someone might just make their day and be their only form of human contact which is so desperately needed.

GreenandRed Sat 23-May-20 00:29:38

Very important for all ages to feel connected to the community, community feels broken if there isn't a diversity of ages. Loneliness is bad for health and affects both young and old generations. Young and old can learn from each other and help each other. In times of crisis like coronavirus it shows just how important feeling connected to the community is.

carol057 Fri 22-May-20 23:50:15

It's strange reading about 'community' because I'm totally on my own and don't feel connected to any community. I had a note pushed through my door but no-one's rung the bell to talk to me. I'm used to being on my own and don't feel the need to be with people. The last time I went out was 16th March and since then have had 3 food deliveries and spoken through the door to the delivery drivers and to the postman to say thanks. I'm ok. People seem to think the world's coming to an end but during WW2 our parents/grandparents didn't know when it would end and they had the additional horror of bombs dropping. All we have to do is stay inside, stay away from each other for a while and not get in each others way for now. I can't help anyone but I can stay out of the way so I don't become part of the problem. That's my bit for the community.

maureen118 Fri 22-May-20 23:46:14

it's important because everyone needs someone to give and take and share life.

MrsRobert60 Fri 22-May-20 23:40:52

I think some people need the connection more than others. As an introvert in lockdown I have enjoyed the lack of physical connection. I prefer my own company and am satisfied at the moment with online friendships. I realise that this is probably unusual and that most people are sociable beings!

Fairlyodd77 Fri 22-May-20 23:37:16

Super important. It's important for you mental health and wellbeing. Plus older generation have a lot to teach younger generations

grannybiker Fri 22-May-20 23:23:14

If people of any age feel connected and included in their communities it promotes a sense of ownership and pride that can only be a good thing.
Loving the idea of young children and older folk interacting more. I've seen for myself how everyone in the old folks home perked up when I took our pre-schooler granddaughter and her big brother in to see their great Grandma

boxfords Fri 22-May-20 22:51:13

I feel it is very important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community. However I do worry that the virus will make this more difficult over time, especially if social distancing is here to stay.

janinex Fri 22-May-20 22:47:04

It's not just important, it's crucial at the moment for everyone's mental health

bayview Fri 22-May-20 22:27:24

Lockdown is a great chance to read lots and sunbathe

Hannah88 Fri 22-May-20 22:26:51

Very important, my Dad has recently started going to a bereavement group since we lost my Mum and it’s doing him the world of good to meet new people in the community

adrianthornton Fri 22-May-20 22:13:51

Very.

CamCam12 Fri 22-May-20 22:13:42

It's very important for people to stay connected, although it is so difficult in these times.