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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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Jacquilk Sun 03-May-20 21:08:44

Of course, it’s very important for everyone to feel connected. Especially at the moment when we are all isolated. To not have that sense of belonging would be horrible. Let’s hope this will help us build stronger communities for the future.

dahlia08 Sun 03-May-20 23:10:55

It’s hugely important to people of all ages to connect with the community especially the elderly, young, high risk people......to be given all help they need in this crisis, lockdown, self isolation. Help to make them feel less stress, with shopping, homecare, electronic device like WhatsApp, so they get in touch with their friends and family. Half them stay safe.

Superselena Mon 04-May-20 08:45:23

Hugely, I work in a hostel with teenagers and so many are losing those connection skills due to modern technology.

Now more than ever staying connected and talking to neighbours is more important than ever.

francisdelima Mon 04-May-20 10:20:53

It is vitally important that people of all ages feel connected to the community as every individual has varied and valued gifts, skills and talents to bring to a community and every age group has its own unique perspectives too. All individuals and groups contribute in a wholesome way to communal wealth - to the commonwealth of any community!

GrannyKathryn Mon 04-May-20 10:44:20

Now more than ever it is important to feel part of the community. For those in isolation, knowing they can ask neighbours for support shopping, picking up meds etc can make all the difference. A little consideration and kindness goes a long way in making the world a better place.

MissAW Mon 04-May-20 10:47:14

Now, more than ever, we're learning the importance of connection, of reaching out, of looking after one another.

Mitchypop Mon 04-May-20 11:53:11

Since the beginning of humans, all people in the group from babies to the elderly were included. It is this need, according to Maslow that is fundamental for a persons survival.

MoonB61 Mon 04-May-20 12:12:08

Without a connection there simply wouldn't be a society.
It's wonderful how communities have come together and look after eachother

regor57 Mon 04-May-20 13:11:27

A sense of belonging is a human need, just like the need for food and shelter. Feeling that you belong is most important in seeing value in life and in coping with intensely painful emotions. ... A sense of belonging to a greater community improves your motivation, health, and happiness.

julietk Mon 04-May-20 13:21:22

Very - everyone should feel connected, or the community is not properly inclusive... and people suffer because of it...

deskline Mon 04-May-20 14:05:40

everyone wants to feel 'a part' of something family or community so i would say yes very important.

Wilsa Mon 04-May-20 15:00:05

It's been wonderful to see communities coming together in these difficult times. Old and young are doing so much to help each other. I think it's extremely important that we all respect and value our good neighbours.

Happyhound Mon 04-May-20 15:28:02

It's nice to be connected and it can help wellbeing, but I certainly don't think it's essential. The level of connection can vary too. Some people enjoy their privacy and are happy with just a friendly wave, others want to get involved in a number of ways. Respect for other people should be the basis for relationships.

Cnet9516 Mon 04-May-20 16:29:06

I think it is fundamental for all ages to feel connected as a community. I have noticed this more during lockdown! We have taught my nan how to use technology so we can keep in contact with her as she was feeling lonely. Her neighbours have been amazing delivering magazines and groceries to her door. It’s imperative for everyone’s mental health as it can be a lonely time if you’re not feeling connected. Everyone wants a sense of well-being whether it’s from friends, activities, family or community we all want to belong. The crisis has made us realise who we are and not overwhelmed with materialism but with a sense of community. The 8pm Thursday clap everyone is checking on their neighbours those young and old. Rather than saying goodbye we’re now saying ‘stay safe’. There are positives in every negative

kwal Mon 04-May-20 17:55:09

A connection to a community gives us a sense of worth and safety.

heatherjw Mon 04-May-20 18:11:08

Differnt generations can live far apart in many families so i feel it is helpful for people to feel part of a community where the needs of multiple generations and social groups can be taken into account. Without a sense of community there is a risk we see life and everything that it throws at us though a single, restricted lens.

bikerbill Mon 04-May-20 19:49:03

I think it is very important to feel part of a community and its so much better when all ages are connected

gohlass Tue 05-May-20 00:58:45

it is very important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community both for mental health and pysical health.

anabanana Tue 05-May-20 09:57:00

There are many kinds of community, physical and online. It is important that people of all ages are able to choose what community they feel most engaged with. i.e., it is entirely up to the individual.

rowyn Tue 05-May-20 10:06:44

Connection brings a sense of belonging, which in turn brings appreciation, loyalty and relationships.

CatterySlave1 Tue 05-May-20 11:21:16

I think Society in general has gotten more insular and into “looking after number one”, which would include immediate family. Obviously there’s those shining lights exceptions but this pandemic has made me pleasantly surprised that, after the initial fear and hoarding quickly passed, people started to look beyond just themselves. I think walking around their neighbourhood has helped massively because you can’t help but say hello to fellow regulars (especially with a dog) and then realise that they’ve lived on your street for years! We all need to remember the simple lessons of connection with others- our own families, wider families and friends online and our local community, and ensure that after this is all over we don’t forget that we are better people right now and don’t slide back into the anonymity of our cars and commuter towns.

dcavender123 Tue 05-May-20 11:21:40

being connected to others around us is healthy for us as a well balanced society. This is a great lesson from an early age so that we associate being sociable with others a great pathway to living in a happier world.

shyhb Tue 05-May-20 19:13:09

I think it’s very important for people of all ages to feel connected to the community.

ykellock Tue 05-May-20 20:09:07

It's really important for all people of all ages to be connected as we can all bring different levels of assistance, knowledge and help each other. We can all learn many great things from each other and use them to our advantage.

dahlia08 Tue 05-May-20 21:40:33

Very important. Everyone should keep in touch with family and friends. Important for people with mental health as well to be part of the community and get help as it is a stressful time