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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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splodge Wed 22-Apr-20 18:08:34

It is very important .As the saying goes , " united we stand , divided we fall" Whatever our age , we all have contributions we can make to society , and we call all learn from each other , and bring happiness and positivity to one another .

SheenaBatey123 Wed 22-Apr-20 18:01:33

It is so important as we are naturally social beings and must not become disconnected from each other at any age.

godiva1107 Wed 22-Apr-20 17:58:54

Community connectivity aids inner well-being. A sense of belonging is crucial for the human soul.

hugshelp Wed 22-Apr-20 17:38:59

I think it's really important. We all want to be a part of something bigger and now more than ever we think of other people and the wider world though we are separated from them.

skippylane Wed 22-Apr-20 17:34:30

Important - to reduce loneliness, fear and isolation, to raise spirits and morale in difficult times and to feel loved and valued

lloydmartin Wed 22-Apr-20 17:34:29

Too many people dismiss the elderly as no longer useful, a drain on society. They have however already contributed to much and continue to do so. Whether it is recounting their lives, imparting their wisdom, enhancing the lives of their children and grandchildren. They form a vital part of our community.

adrisco Wed 22-Apr-20 17:33:40

It's essential. I have only really realised this in the past five weeks though. Unable to see my children and grandchildren, I relish seeing neighbours and fellow shoppers .. obviously at a safe distance, and exchanging a few words, or even just a "Hello" .. it makes such a difference to the day.

Lclaytonuk555 Wed 22-Apr-20 16:06:22

Very important but, sadly, it doesn’t always happen. Maybe easier if you have children and meet people at the school gate or maybe get to know people at church. Where we live everyone goes everywhere in their cars and people are very busy with their own lives.

maryandbuzz1 Wed 22-Apr-20 15:56:24

Yes it’s very important to be connected. Just a smile and a chat can make all the difference in today’s world.

Magsd Wed 22-Apr-20 15:40:27

It really is important to know your community especially since this pandemic started so that we can help out where we can whether it’s shopping for elderly neighbours or those shielding from the virus. Delivering medication or just chatting over the driveway / garden fence. I’ve gotten to know more people since doing the clap for carers each week than I knew before. We keep in touch through social media as well .

ctpulley1 Wed 22-Apr-20 15:39:50

Most definitely that everyone feels a part of the local community and area. They and we benefit by all the input.

daisydaisy1965 Wed 22-Apr-20 15:20:34

Having people to talk to and depend on, and making connections through hobbies or a social group can help reduce the risk of mental illness.

maclinks Wed 22-Apr-20 15:06:37

It is important to feel belonging to a place, it is not your home otherwise and generally your mental health will suffer

Flowerpower22 Wed 22-Apr-20 15:04:10

I think it's incredibly important. In these strange times, the upside has been how well we have come to know our neighbours. We take comfort from the fact that we are all in it together and do our best to help one another.

scrapgran Wed 22-Apr-20 15:03:10

Really important and something which has come home to us during this lockdown. We are members of 3 bridge clubs, one of which we run and all are a lifeline to local people. My granddaughter is part of Woking youth theatre and very community connected as is my grandson who is part of the local scout troop. Really need to get socialising again but obviously we must do it safely

nigelh66 Wed 22-Apr-20 14:56:27

It is very important because without a connection it is ( more ) likely that isolation will lead to poor mental health which will eventually lead to even worse feelings of desperation.

mickaul747 Wed 22-Apr-20 14:52:14

It is Very important is it for people of all ages to feel connected to their community.

mollymockford Wed 22-Apr-20 14:52:09

Very important - and I suspect that when we old folks all finally emerge from house arrest, we'll probably have a bit of a street party!

dianegf1 Wed 22-Apr-20 14:24:06

Many years ago a sense of community was felt in the majority of places, countryside and town alike. Parents knew that neighbours were watching over their children as much as they were, and children knew that they could go to neighbours if they needed help. Older people were respected and a big source of help in the community. That sadly changed as households moved apart, children played as much inside if not more than outside. This crisis has seen neighbours once again coming together, family has again become a focal point and people are realising that people are more important than objects.

Debzwoowoo Wed 22-Apr-20 14:17:42

It is hugely important to feel connected to your community as social isolation has a huge impact on ones mental health.

Joesniff79 Wed 22-Apr-20 14:05:36

At the moment it is very important more than ever as a community we can beat this virus without community there would be no help and people would simply perish..

compfan Wed 22-Apr-20 14:04:08

It seems to give people a higher satisfaction rate if they do connect with their communities in a postive way :-)

Murtle50 Wed 22-Apr-20 14:03:59

it is so important for everyone to feel part of a caring and thoughtful community . it is good for mental health to know there are people to call upon when things get tough and for physical health as community is great for organising healthy activities that involve people who may otherwise be alone and indoors with no social contact . once this crisis is over let us hope that communities will remain as strong and resourceful and supportive as they have been in these recent weeks.

philjeans Wed 22-Apr-20 13:33:26

It is very important currently to keep in touch with not only our family and friends, but also our neighbours. Let's hope that when the current crisis is past, we continue to forge relationships and care for each other.

renaplumridge Wed 22-Apr-20 13:29:26

Since Covid it just shows you how being apart of the community is beneficial, everyone rallying around and supporting one another it’s fantastic.