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yes vital. i run a knit and natter group which connects a lot of craft loving people

Having family a distance away and also isolating I am more grateful to our community than I can ever say. Due to my health issues our council allocated me a local carer to shop and collect prescriptions but, within days, she succumbed to the virus. Thank heavens for a vibrant Facebook community group who have organised a main weekly shop with one person and others for "bits." Occasionally we have run out of things and have pinned a note to our fence asking for individual items. Some of our amazing community won't even take any money. Books, toys, plants and children's clothes are freely offered and the support is incredible. No one in our community needs to feel alone thanks to all the wonderful people so freely giving their time. We are so connected, the isolaters and the volunteers all doing their bit.

In these difficult times it is more important than ever for people of all ages to feel connected to their community. The social network allows us to give and receive help, in large and small ways, which makes life more bearable. This includes the gallant NHS workers and all the volunteers, young and old, who are helping to care for the more vulnerable members of their community.

At the moment it is vital. People who live alone are extremely vulnerable especially now.

All humans need social contact for good mental health which is why face time,phone calls ect are so important during the lock down.It is even more important for those with no family to have contact with their friends.It is so wonderful how so many people are helping those in their community

Very important! The community is one of the main sources that allow us to gain a sense of security, belonging and trust. It’s so vital for us to never feel like we’re alone and it’s beneficial because we can learn a lot from people of all different ages, backgrounds, etc. When we’re together as a community, we tend to act in healthier and more loving ways!

Community means family. Everyone should be part of that. The elderly have so much to offer. Being home during the day they are great neighbourhood watch participants. The young offer vibrancy and life to an area. We all have something to offer and lots to learn from our communities.

It’s extremely important for everyone’s wellbeing. The elderly are relying on the younger neighbours for shopping and advice. I’m personally shopping for my elderly neighbour. Other neighbours have donated PPE to help the shortage I’m experiencing. I’ve received face masks, gloves, mask clips, face shields and even a packet of tena lady pants which will help out. I work in the community visiting people recently discharged from hospital or preventing hospital admissions. One neighbour cut my lawn when I’m in work. My husband has supplied neighbours with paracetamol and toilet rolls. He is a lorry driver for Wilko. I love my neighbour spirit and the Pandemic has brought us all closer.

We all need to feel that we belong and not everyone has close family so the community becomes family to them. It so important to feel that we can contribute, be useful and that we matter to someone - Its a basic need to be wanted and loved - to give love and being part of a good community can make us feel amazing

Make a circle with your friends, join hands, and extend that to everyone around you. Mental health is crucial and more than ever, if we connect, we read and listen, and realise we're not alone.Sharing our thoughts, not our opinions, be kind.

Community is part of the long thread that stretches endlessly behind and in front. We all cling to it. If we don't, we fall. We need to look back with gentleness to avoid repeating mistakes and ahead with wisdom to prepare for what will come. Every person who drops off weakens the thread, but every hand that touches makes it stronger.

It's very important to for people of all ages to feel connected to their community because they form our larger family in life and can make us feel belonged, especially if our own families are few and far between.

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Life revolves around helping each other and is more important than ever at these times.

Being socially active and engaged in the community keeps you healthy - mentally and physically. In fact, people with strong social networks tend to be more active, feel happier, and are more supported.

In this current Covid 19 crisis we have all been made very aware of the importance of connection and community

No person is an Island, we all need somebody, there are lots of people in the local community to help each other even if it just to talk. In this Lock Down I have become more close to my own family by using the Internet.

Your local community is so important. There is such a sense of well being from helping each other out and looking after each other. Being able to pop to the shops knowing that there will always be the opportunity for a friendly chat is so nice. Each community has unique needs that can never be addressed by a central or even local government so local action with the community working together is vital

it is essential that there is community support, connection for older people, this is for good mental health and phsycial health too

Sense of community and belonging is very important for everyone's health and wellbeing. It is therefore important to pick up the phone and speak to people who we know are on their own at this difficult time.

The need for connection is one of the essential 'Human Givens'. So in whatever age, health status or circumstances we find ourselves, we need to have interaction with others

No man (or woman!) is an island and though we may live on one we are all connected. It is vital for our health and welfare to connect and care for our fellow citizens irrespective of their age, colour or creed. So reach out and share the love.

We have spent a long time building up community connections for older people and people who have disabilities in order that they enjoy the same citizenship opportunities and rights as other people. The lockdown has suspended all group activities and socialising which will be for a longer period for those who have health vulnerabilities. It's important we find ways to connect the community in order that all the links that were in place and are not lost. When we come out of lockdown, particularly vulnerable groups, a lot of work is going to be required to build up confidence and opportunities to socialise again.

Although sometimes difficult to do due to shyness, too busy with work, isolation etc this period of lockdown has shown how important it is to do. Neighbours and the local community are just as vital as family who may be a long way away. Sometimes we can be too British and not keen to interfere, but we must make sure we realise the difference in community connectedness and interference. There is nothing worse than being isolated and lonely with no knowledge of how to change this lifestyle - not always made through choice but often through lack of knowledge or understanding (EAL). Let's all keep connected within our community!

Its vital that that we all feel part of a community. We all need to feel like there are people there for us in times of need .