Win a £150 Waterstones voucher and a copy of The Switch *NOW CLOSED*

It's crucial for people of all ages because, by coming together for the good of everyone, the community will be respected and appreciated more. You learn about the struggles some neighbours have and ways to help each other, for example 1 house may not have a hedge trimmer but someone else can lend them one. Communities ham raise money for communal gardens and for planters at the side of the road, along with litter picking, etc. Once you are involved with the community, you have so much more pride in it I find. It's also great for mental health, especially at times like those we are experiencing now.

I would say it's vital. This situation has shown us just how much we depend on each other, not to mention the wider community. Even hermits must realise that some social interaction can be life saving.

Whatever your age, older, young person, or middle age its always important to have a purpose of where you have come from, then if you have moved, and made friends, the church is a central point of any town, or village, and things going on like the Womens Institute which i joined after i finished working part time and made many new female friends. At this time to keep in touch with both family members and friends by emails, phone calls, and the odd video chat, as my brother married an Austrian and has wife and 2 young children, but unfortunately 4 weeks ago he couldnt get back home from the UK and is staying with some old friends, its a terrible strain on him as Austria is a country on lockdown, no-one in, no one out policy and he lives there but works in the theatre industry and tours the uk and abroad mostly for 9 months of the year.

I never used to mind much until now, feel so isolated as am at home all day alone. I have no family where I live and the only friends I have are at work so I am not seeing them. I am not finding that online communication is the same as seeing people. I need to interact with real life humans. If I had not grown up as an only child and had that training from an early age at being on my own, I think I would be in a very bad place now.

I feel t is very important for both mental and emotional wellbeing

I think it's very important for people of all ages to feel a part of their community. Where I grew up there was a wonderful community spirit. It made me feel quite safe and cared for as a child, not only by my parents but by neighbours too. We can all support and help each other, everyone has something to offer, and in that way, everyone feels valued.

I feel it's important for people to feel part of their community. It especially helps with good mental health.

It’s very important for everyone to feel connected and not alone in their community. We need the comfort of knowing we aren’t alone in the world and if need be reach out for help.

Volunteering and helping out at little/big even makes you feel useful, also people knowing they can depend on you if help is needed.

Being surrounded by so many different opinions and cultures broadens your mind and helps you understand other peoples thoughts and ideas, also helps to keep our own minds ticking over.

A sense of community is important in lots of ways.
Generally speaking, we humans are sociable creatures, and feeling that we 'belong' is great for both individuals and society as a whole.

I imagine that young people who feel connected to their community are far less likely to get involved in anti-social behaviour as they grow up, which in turn helps the more elderly to continue to feel happy and secure.

People of all ages must benefit, both mentally and practically, from the sort of contact and support that a good community can provide, especially if there is good, positive intergenerational contact.

It’s a useful skill to learn to be self sufficient and to cope with being solitary, as we are learning. But as we realise this we know we need our local community for physical, mental and spiritual support, as they need us too. That sense of connection can’t be underestimated.

Important and online support is very useful

People of very age in society have
something different to offer and also different needs. Having all ages involved in their community means everyone benefits.

I think it's very important, everyone has a part to play and we are all important. More so now then ever, we all need to support each other and check on our neighbours.

Social isolation is a killer. Its a documented medical fact. So staying connected is about increasing and enjoying the connections we have as human beings in nature....ie. your garden, your visiting wildlife, your pets. Its important to stay in contact with your family and friends through phone calls, letter, and online.

I think it is very important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community. Now families do not all live close to each other and some young people only see their grandparents on Skype, by connecting with older people in their community we can all learn a lot and help each other. We all have an important and useful role to play in this world.

My neighbours have been brilliant lately. They have ensured I am well and not in need of anything. This is a result of connecting with them when my husband died 18 months ago. Don't know where I would be without them now. It's good to talk - over the fence at the moment. Not one to go to anothers house all the time but just to know they are there is a comfort. This type of connection should be encouraged throughout the UK. It certainly helps during an emergency.

A community is the heart of a place . you will get friendship , advice, a shoulder to cry on and be able to help others if you play a part in your local community.

My grandchildren have been staying up till 8pm to clap for the NHS workers; even the one year old was out there banging a pan (his favourite thing anyway!) It's important that children know about what is going on in the community while they are in lockdown and that, even if their own parents are at home, others have to carry on working as normal.

It's very important to be /feel part of a community but sometimes easier said than done for younger families who may spend much of their time at work outside of their locality. Kids clubs or activities can be a big help and also social events like church garden parties/street parties/park runs etc. It's us oldies who often spend more time in one locality, or rely on it for help and friendship, who have perhaps valued it most in pre-virus days.

Being socially active and engaged in the community keeps you connected, involved, and healthy, both mentally and physically. Research suggests that people with strong social networks tend to be more active, feel happier, and are more supported. Having a sense of purpose and something to offer helps people, especially older adults, to feel more satisfied and potentially live a fuller life.

It's vitally important, especially at the moment. We all have so much to learn from each other.

Really important for mental health, companionship, social skills, an ability to empathise with others during the virus. Brings people together.

Living alone or even in a family environment there is life outside of your own four walls.
Everyone feels better in themselves every time someone says "Hello' or gives you a smile when you are walking outside.
Hundreds of people may live in your 'neck of the woods', there is a lot going on if you look for it.
Taking the first step is the hardest but worth the effort.
Make yourself feel 'worth it' outside of your own home.

It is essential, especially now, that people feel connected to the wider community regardless of age. Its not only important to keep in touch with family and friends but we must be aware of those around us who maybe struggling. Whether its a neighbor we haven't seen for a couple of days or just someone you see who looks like they are struggling. Trust your instincts they are rarely wrong.