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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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vegansrock Thu 14-May-20 06:57:49

We have a very active local community and it has come to the fore in this current crisis.
From pop up concerts to shopping and gardening and online requests for odd thing like “anyone got some odd bits of wood“ etc. We’ve raised over £200 for charity by plying bingo in our houses. All ages have joined in. It’s brilliant.

maria411 Thu 14-May-20 08:39:16

It's definitely important,

community is the thing that keeps us together and helps us when we are going through bad times, like the current situation has shown me how amazing my community is. Everyone of all ages are going through it so it's nice when everyone connects and helps each other.

rforthebear Thu 14-May-20 10:47:36

Very important otherwise isolation and loneliness set in which leads to depression.

Sadgrandma Thu 14-May-20 15:12:24

It is extremely important, especially during this horrible lockdown. There are many ways to connect with your community, even now. If you are fit and active you could ask neighbours if they need shopping or prescriptions and then social distance for a little chat.if you are less active just stand outside and pass the time of day with passers by. Of course there are other activities like offering to volunteer as a telephone friend etc. Sometimes people do isolate themselves, even in normal times - my late sister would sit and watch television all day but then complain that she never saw anyone but she never made an effort.

Scorpion40 Thu 14-May-20 16:30:23

I feel it’s very important! You should treat people how you want to be treated yourself. A saying my Nan used to tell me and it’s stuck with me forever! I am now 40 and teaching the same thing to my children x

albertina Thu 14-May-20 19:07:16

Very important and hopefully more likely after this terrible virus.

lizzie111 Thu 14-May-20 22:08:41

Its extremely important and in recent years I feel community has been forgotten.
But in the light of Corona virus it has been rekindled neighbours clapping for nhs and key workers a thousand small acts of kindness its made me feel connected in a way I never felt before

Becks43 Fri 15-May-20 02:43:44

I think that it is extremely important, especially in the world today and the fact that there are a lot more older people. Having a good sense of community is healthy and beneficial for the state of mind and helps with loneliness, which unfortunately is becoming more of a problem for a wider range of people in our society. I am thankful that everyone has pulled together in our community during this pandemic, it has made things more bearable and I am proud that there is a greater sense of community. I just hope that it continues when things gradually return to normal.

salllybarrett Fri 15-May-20 09:24:29

Giving to your friends, family and neighbours, means you receive more than you give, as we all need to be valued, appreciated and connected.

clara0015 Fri 15-May-20 10:02:54

So important - makes a big difference to everyone’s mental wellbeing

Barrabornlassie Fri 15-May-20 11:34:11

It’s great to feel a sense of community, and the recent lock down has exposed us to different people in our neighbourhood who we hardly knew before.

mollymoonbeam Fri 15-May-20 12:23:43

It's hugely important. Before I became ill with the virus (slowly recovering, thank God), I was working as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I see so many clients who are desperately unhappy - not because of any great trauma - but because of a lack of connection with others around them. I LOVE the story about the community that banded together to prescribe an anti-depressant to the depressed farmer who'd had his leg blown off by a landmine and couldn't work well with a wooden leg in the rice fields. The anti-depressant his community paid for? A cow. So he would have a different income stream. Knowing that his community cared enough about him to do that was worth far more to him than any medication... Community is vital.

juliewinward Fri 15-May-20 16:17:33

It is extremely important to be connected to others, and even more so during this time of isolation, it can be very lonely for people.

missblueeyes Fri 15-May-20 18:09:37

the benefits of being connected to the community far outweigh the cons.

as we have seen in this current pandemic communities have been coming together and neighbours who once wouldn't have known their neighbour now are interacting through doing good deeds/ providing phone numbers if anyone is isolating/keeping in touch and as we have seen coming out and clapping on a thursday night for the nhs. some street entertainment with social distancing and as we also have seen some dancing.

bayview Fri 15-May-20 23:37:54

Crucial-a community is made up of people of all ages

annemac101 Sat 16-May-20 09:48:57

Everyone needs to belong somewhere. It’s lovely to be a member of a community group and when walking in everyone knows your name. Mixed age groups gives everyone a snapshot of how older or younger people live. Everyone can teach each other.

Lilypenny Sat 16-May-20 10:02:48

Self worth is so important to an individuals mental health and this comes from a sense of belonging and usefulness in the wider community. Respect and acknowledgement of the valuable contributions people of all generations can make is something we all need to keep in mind.

cozitsme Sat 16-May-20 10:20:21

Community is extremely important to maintain a solid society. People coming together from all walks of life who appreciate each other for who they are, without prejudice. The current climate has certainly reiterated this.

grannynoggins Sat 16-May-20 11:44:22

Its very important and of huge benefit to all if everyone is connected, respected and contributes to the community. I have always believed this and enjoy living in a community of mixed ages and backgrounds.

SusanCarter Sat 16-May-20 12:46:06

Vital at the moment when we are not able to see our families. Certainly where I live the community is working together to make sure everyone is alright and has everything they need.

PatMiller Sat 16-May-20 17:06:49

Community can be vital for good mental health, especially for those who are more lonely this can often be the older generation but as someone who has been a single mum I can say that community is important for younger people too eg pay groups etc. Community gives a sense of belonging and everyone needs that ❤️

Thomas Sat 16-May-20 17:10:59

Its so important for your mental and physical health to be connected and feel part of a community that should care.

live7 Sat 16-May-20 19:01:48

Think it's very important. If people are connected they feel a sense of belonging and are more likely to consider othes, help others and work together for mutual benefit. Also seeing older members of the family connecting is a good example for younger people to see.

Horatia Sat 16-May-20 19:22:43

Community gives us all a sense of belonging outwith our personal family situations. It's a very happy reassuring feeling for all ages to enjoy.

46lena Sat 16-May-20 19:33:21

It is crucial, people need another people to live happily.