Gransnet forums

Competitions

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.

And don't forget to sign up to our newsletter to get the latest competitions delivered straight to your inbox...

greenfinger5 Wed 22-Apr-20 07:03:59

It is extremely important that people feel connected, we are after all quite social beings by nature and even the smallest interaction can help with the feeling of loneliness during this isolation period .

13Nana Wed 22-Apr-20 06:53:36

The complex unseen web of interactions spoken and unspoken, seen, heard and felt is woven between all ages and creates a community that becomes your community. It wraps us together creating a feeling of comfort and security, knowing we are not alone. In return we become more aware and thoughtful, allowing us to know those in our community, to better communicate and be aware and mindful of those around us who may be struggling. Most importantly by knowing each other it makes us kinder to others.

maryhill80 Wed 22-Apr-20 03:44:13

This crisis has proved that people of all ages, status, cultures, can work together in a lovely way and help each other. It proves how much any age groups genders can come together in a time of need! My son has surprised me by helping the neighbours with bits and bobs at the shop for his daily exercise that is good community spirit I’m ever so proud. He does several runs in an hour to help those neighbours! As a community I feel it’s important the kids especially teenagers get involved in this crisis. We come together as one!

sevenkidsnotv Wed 22-Apr-20 02:25:13

Very important, especially in times like this ,when we all need each other.

suepoorta Tue 21-Apr-20 23:36:03

Being connected to those around us anchors us no matter what age we are. Being isolated and disconnected leads to a lack of belonging, lower self esteem and increased mental illness. We are not designed to be hermits but are much more pack animals. Various age groups need to intermingle as we all need to learn from each other. All ages coexisting keeps us all well rounded.

Ziggy1914 Tue 21-Apr-20 22:58:36

It's very important its peoples life line without it people dont thrive it brings people together and family and makes for better community especially now with this pandemic

dinkiedee Tue 21-Apr-20 22:40:08

It’s vitally important especially for older people and people living on their own that there is a sense of community

CillaMcD Tue 21-Apr-20 22:34:23

It is so important to keep in touch with friends and family especially the ones that are on their own. They need to feel that they are not alone and there is someone there for them.

kyalami Tue 21-Apr-20 22:12:11

Isolation from others is torturous & even the minimum amount of connection with others goes a long way to make you feel part of life.

Happiyogi Tue 21-Apr-20 21:35:51

I think we're discovering now how crucial a sense of belonging to a community is.

I hope that there'll be room for a different emphasis on what's important in our lives once the pandemic eases. For several decades the pressure on family life has been growing and it has got ever harder for people to have spare time after working full time, caring for children, a home, garden, extended family etc. They just don't have enough hours in the day to take on volunteer roles or be involved with neighbours and the wider community.

If big changes are made to how we live - more home working, less commuting and business travel, a shorter working week - and we keep alive the sense we have now of what's actually important in times of life and death then we have a great chance to strengthen the bonds being forged right now. They increase a sense of resilience in those who can give time and help, and a sense of still mattering to those who receive it. And that would be a very good thing for people of every age.

padleys Tue 21-Apr-20 21:31:22

I think it is very important and i think it has shown since we have had to deal with this Corona Virus, more people are coming together and helping the people who cannot get out at all

Revolucion Tue 21-Apr-20 21:29:56

How important is it for people of all ages to feel connected to their community?

It’s so important. No woman is an island. When we are disconnected we are weak.

Mamalton Tue 21-Apr-20 21:00:59

It’s important for all ages to mix in communities as more and more grandparents are looking after grandchildren and going to the children’s play centres, parties, picking up from friends and schools and can contribute a lot of life skills to the younger mums. Knowledge is a wonderful think and patient and time can be given by anyone, young or old. The young show the old new technology and the old share experiences. This is beneficial for all.

Yolostela Tue 21-Apr-20 19:52:19

It's lovely to feel connected to your community, a smile, hello when passing in the street really makes you feel happy. We've lived in our village 30 years and always try to be involved. It's a good feeling

NiCH Tue 21-Apr-20 19:26:35

It is important part of ones wellbeing. As we age, we need to engage in the community around so that we don’t feel isolated.

annie55w Tue 21-Apr-20 19:25:04

It is so important as it makes you feel valued.As you get older you often feel invisible.Helps with lonliness too !

fialcross Tue 21-Apr-20 19:16:37

Feeling connected to your community is very important to all ages as it gives us a feeling of belonging and being able to ask for, or offer, help and support. A community looks out for everyone and can quickly respond when they see something out of the ordinary and celebrate any milestones.

laurelmail Tue 21-Apr-20 18:34:55

It's importent for people to be in touch with freinds and family at a time like this being able to moan a bit laugh a bit cry abit but knowing that your not alone

amesbham Tue 21-Apr-20 18:10:13

It is so important for all ages to feel connected to their community - especially in the situation that we all find ourselves in at present. I must say, one of the great things to come out of this crisis is the sense of community where I live, and throughout the Country. We have gotten to know our neighbours more and found out more information about where we live.

ladyraven Tue 21-Apr-20 17:45:30

So important to keep community spirit raised...especialy now. skills and knowledge disapear so quickly if there are no connections made between the generations.

MrsNotgotalot Tue 21-Apr-20 17:22:55

The importance of being connected to the community can sometimes mean the difference between life and death, especially for someone living on their own.

Isobelw Tue 21-Apr-20 17:07:44

Hugely important in particular during this lock down period

crusosa Tue 21-Apr-20 16:46:11

I think it doesnt matter our age, we have the need to feel connected. We are social animals, and independently of the amount of social interaction we need, belonging goes beyond that and relates to being healthy.

susie14 Tue 21-Apr-20 16:40:38

I think it's really important to be connected and part of your local community, it can help in so many ways, particularly in this current crisis. I hope that all the goodwill generated continues long after CoVid19 leaves us.

Leefitz68 Tue 21-Apr-20 16:09:25

Without neighbours if you have no family you are totally alone, get involved in community events as much as you can and stay active