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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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Angela6 Tue 21-Apr-20 16:03:05

Many people do not have family members close at hand, some have none at all. It is important to respond to everyone's greetings, yours might be the only contact each of you have that day. Spread a smile, or a wave, every little helps.

oldwalshy Tue 21-Apr-20 15:53:27

A sense of belonging, being loved and wanted.From young to elderly, is so important.Let Covid 19 reunited the world

fosssie222 Tue 21-Apr-20 15:44:03

It is essential, people of all ages need to be able to share positives and negatives of all ages and stages of life.

magshard20 Tue 21-Apr-20 15:14:01

A community is NOT a community if it doesn't have a mixture of people, businesses, shops, houses, schools etc. Community is what is needed at this time of national trials and tribulations, we all need to back each other up ( from a safe social distance) look out for each other and be there when others want back up of any kind.
I heard the other day of a place not far from where I live, the whole street put money in a pot and hired a skip, so that all the rubbish from DIY projects that had been ongoing throughout the past few weeks could be taken away. That is community coming together for the good of the area and the people who live there.

davpay Tue 21-Apr-20 14:36:29

Very important, loneliness is a killer!

Valski Tue 21-Apr-20 13:54:32

Vitally important and pretty much essential in fostering a sense of community and inclusivity and creating a harmonious place to live for all (regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality etc). The benefits of being recognised and feeling part of a community are being reaped in the current coronavirus crisis with people reaching out and helping others.

I would also argue that places such as libraries have in recent years become community hubs and now my local library is home to a scrabble group, board games club, knit and natter, afternoon coffee meets, a crafting group, computing for seniors, a Manga comic club, rhyme time for babies, a gaming club and a teen scene! It is wonderful to see all ages and interests recognised and given the same priority and has ensured our local library (also home to a gym and a council services desk), feels like a community hub open to everyone.

Mapleleaf Tue 21-Apr-20 13:00:27

Yes, it's very important as we are social animals, by and large. (I know there are people who prefer their own company and want to keep themselves to themselves, but the majority want and benefit from contact with others). It's important that all generations interact because from that comes understanding and learning. Whatever our age, we have so much to offer each other. This virus has meant quite a rethink on how this can be achieved, and fortunately many have access to technology to allow them to stay in touch, but of course, not everyone has access. This is why it is still so important to be aware of those around you, and support however we can.

sueholistic Tue 21-Apr-20 12:54:41

It is vitally important that we keep in touch with people in our community particularly during lockdown to help protect everyone's mental health and to feel valued and supported.

Daph Tue 21-Apr-20 12:34:45

Being part of the community helps us all to remain centered and in touch

drlulittle1 Tue 21-Apr-20 12:21:35

It is soo important for all ages to be connected. We can use technology in a creative way to help us.
My mum is 75 & is loving using zoom & playing with the virtual backgrounds.

Nellie098 Tue 21-Apr-20 11:55:01

As I age my confidence lowers
Stuck indoors for what seems like forever
Whatsap, Facetime what should I use
I seek help from the young to keep me amused
I seek help from my elders to help keep me sane
So of course we need them all for when we meet again.

chris8888 Tue 21-Apr-20 11:19:59

I think it depends what sort of personality you have yourself. I like to `drop in and out` of things. I don`t like the pressure though to take part all the time. I have found since retiring that there is an expectation that since you have time, you can do more. So yes to community, no to pressure.

smith106 Tue 21-Apr-20 11:11:43

It's very important especially for people who live alone.

nabob Tue 21-Apr-20 10:35:15

Yes it is extremely importat as we can all contribute something, whether it be help with shopping or a daily joke as my husband is doing!

dahlia08 Tue 21-Apr-20 10:06:49

It’s time to get in touch with families, friends and colleagues. Send them some nice greetings, a beautiful song, a sayings, anything which you think may cheer them and make them happy. And hopefully this trend continue in the future.

grannyqueenie Mon 20-Apr-20 23:01:33

We felt very much part of a community when we lived in a large city, we knew so many people through children's schools etc and working locally too. Missed that when we retired to a small town in a new area but over the last few weeks have seen, and have benefitted from, the community here pulling together in all sorts of ways.

Judith339 Mon 20-Apr-20 22:38:42

Younger people feel it is less important and it is only as they get older that they realise how important it is.

nessa38ish Mon 20-Apr-20 21:35:37

It is very important especially now as people are self isolating, keeping intouch with family and freinds of all ages is good for our mental health and wellbeing .

busterjames Mon 20-Apr-20 21:20:18

Its very important to keep in touch with young and old .These last few weeks have shown how having friends matters .

dragonfly63 Mon 20-Apr-20 20:41:57

We moved from a large city to a very small town. Now that there are challenges caused by the COVID 19 pandemic we are very fortunate to be in the middle of a caring community and if I didn’t realise the value of that before I certainly do now.

Kat38 Mon 20-Apr-20 20:25:56

It is incredibly important to feel connected! We are a herd animal and we need that connection with others. Without that human connection we would have no NHS, no big society, no books, no education, no keep fit classes, so many things pubs, restaurants, theatre, cinema etc would not happen. In the current situation that connectivity and support is even more important!

nettymay Mon 20-Apr-20 19:42:16

Very important but difficult if you moved with work at the end of your career as we did with the Forestry Commission. With no family or old school friends nearby.

grannynoggins Mon 20-Apr-20 19:08:27

It is very important. A community thrives on people at all stages of life and in different circumstances, looking out for each other, supporting each other, socialising together and working on projects together. Feeling connected to your community brings a sense of belonging, self value and inclusion.

RainbowChild Mon 20-Apr-20 18:49:13

It’s very important as without it you would be detached and everything would fall apart. Community is like your wider family and being part of it means that everyone can look out for each other.

lildan Mon 20-Apr-20 18:48:49

Social connectivity is very important as has been shown during this coronavirus crisis. People can reach out for help, advice or just to say I love you. It is lovely to know you can reach people all over the community, the country and the world and offer love and support if needed.