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Community connections are vital to the very existence of human beings. We are not meant to live in isolation from others. Through contact with others we laugh,learn, be challenged, grow whether through positive or not so positive experience, learn to love, learn the benefits of tolerance and understanding. Without connections we are flowers in a desert.

In these troubled times, and when so many of us have families in different parts of the country and all over the world, it is even more important for all ages to feel part of the community. We have no family locally; my son lives in Switzerland and we don't know when we will see our little grandson again. We are so grateful for the help we have received from people locally while self isolating.

I feel it is most important for people of ALL ages to engage with their community, especially youngsters who, we see, are assisting the elderly, who need help in these unprecedented times.

I think it's so important - all ages have something to learn from one another. Whether it is older people learning tik tok from the young or the younger generation learning what people cooked when rationing was on!

Relationships are what matter most to us all in the end. Everyday social connections matter too because we know many people in later life especially can feel isolated, without a sense of belonging to their community.

So important for people to feel that they are still part of something and matter to others, especially during this lock down period. The community young and old play an important part in this, even if it's just a friendly wave or smile through the window you're walking past.

Extremely important as we live, work and socialize in communities of all shapes and sizes and being part of any community is a natural state

It is so important to feel part of a community whatever age you are. You won’t feel isolated, you can do each other favours, you can help out if someone goes through a really bad time. I work full-time and I can actually go for many days without seeing any of my neighbours but I know we’d be there for each other if we needed help.

I have found since this crisis started we have seen more people out on our daily walks with a friendly hello. All our street have been out to Clap For The NHS with older people and families with children banging pan lids. We have a thriving WI and we have been ringing all 38 members weekly seeing how they are and if they need anything. I think this has brought the community together and I hope this continues afterwards.

With a sense of Community one finds people of all ages ready and willing to help / assist their neighbours.
Anarchy results from people feeling outside the community as illustrated in the many murders in London in recent years.

It is vital for people to be connected, and I think the current situation has highlighted more than ever the importance in terms of wellbeing and mental health

It’s so important for people to feel part of their community. Mostly from a mental well-being point of view, but also feeling they belong. There’s many lonely people in this world, young and old, who need a kind word, or gesture of solidarity. It’s what society should be all about.

Through difficult times such as what is happening at present we need Family and Friends no matter how close or far we all need to keep in touch feel close and make a difference. We all need that friendly word. A brief hello are you okay? Do you need anything. It all counts to being there for someone.

It is important for everyone to keep in touch, particularly with the elderly and vulnerable. Loneliness is so sad. I hope that the community spirit that is prevalent at the moment continues after the lockdown.

Its vital we all feel connected but in a way that suits each person. Some are quite happy to be alone and there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. My husband loves chatting with people whilst i am quite content to be more introverted and family focused. This situation has brought out the best in so many people which we hope will continue afterwards

Humans need connection in order to survive. I have learned this so much after moving to the U.K. from Canada. As I am still getting to know people, my connections back home keep me stable. Now with this pandemic, social media has been the main link to everyone in my life both in the U.K. and Canada.

Very important...for many reasons which have been mentioned throughout the thread.

Connection is the soul of wellbeing.

I feel it depends on each individual and their personality as to how important it is.

Your family shows how much they love you by immediately locking us down, and making sure we have all we need. Then friends email and ask if we need a shop, take our dog for a walk, we may not have felt that we knew our neighbours too well, but now we do, as they wave and offer assistance in any way they can. We will get through this if we all stand together.

I think it is very important to feel connected to the community, but unfortunately it is not so common these days. However, with the pandemic it does seem to be bringing people closer and seem to be looking out for each other more which is great!

I think John Donne puts it better than I ever could:

No man is an island,
entire of itself;
every man is a piece of the continent,
a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less,
as well as if a promontory were.
as well as if a manor of thy friend’s
or of thine own were.
Any man’s death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind;
and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
it tolls for thee.

That's it.

I believe that as a general rule people who feel connected to the community they live in, value it more, care for it more and care for those around them. Clubs and social gatherings involve people and help make a community. I hope this will be more valued when this pandemic is over.

But this Virus has brought people together who never see each other as a rule. The weekly applause for those working in vulnerable positions has brought people out onto the street who would never usually see one another. It’s bringing families together and communities together. Hopefully this is the good bit which will continue.

Yes Mazgoli,when i was a child,we all played together in neighbourhood,and went from house to house,had big bonfires etc,went carol singing,trick or treating all together,(in uk) and all felt safe.

I usually say a cheery hello or have a passing few words with one of the neighbours on end of a row but have seen nothing of he& his wife& child since this started! And anyone passing on our little path (its a walkway at ends of gardens to reach other houses) has head down rushing past if they venture out.The coronavirus has distaned us in more ways than one.

It is important to feel connected and at present this can be done by simple greetings or a wave in the street. You could also offer help with shopping etc to more vulnerable neighbours. When all this is over then by getting involved in your community by volunteering for one of the many opportunities available you will continue to feel connected.