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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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Wendyfaint Fri 17-Apr-20 19:13:23

It is vital to feel connected what ever your age, you never know when you may need a helping hand or a friendly wave from a new neighbour when clapping on a Thursday night

bets1e Fri 17-Apr-20 19:17:40

I think it is very important to keep connected with your community. It can be difficult when working long hours but a smile and saying hello to neighbours is a good start. Taking an interest in what is going on from neighbourhood watch to a local street newsletter. Chatting when out for a walk is always a good idea. In this current crisis I've noticed people being a lot friendlier and I for one hope it continues.

marstersww Fri 17-Apr-20 19:48:28

It is vitally important for people of all ages to connect with their community. We are social creatures and should meet all sorts of people and ages.

Harris27 Fri 17-Apr-20 19:49:04

I think more at this time than ever we need to feel connected. Whilst holed up we need to connect with neighbours and friends alike. I do feel that after we come out of this awful time we will try and stay connected. I’ve only ever spoken good morning to some neighbours but recently have been overwhelmed at the simplest of things and I am feeling more connected than ever don’t want to loose that now.

Kingfisher333 Fri 17-Apr-20 19:54:15

It is absolutely vital right now for people of all ages to feel connected within their local community. With so many people being self isolated away from family and friends the need to connect with others in theit locality really matters to avoid feelings of loneliness and to promote positive mental health.

Bengo2005 Fri 17-Apr-20 20:22:16

It is essential to feel part of something, be it the neighbourhood, church or a club. We all need to react with people, something that is more important now than ever.

Jinky2 Fri 17-Apr-20 20:48:08

I think in this current crisis it is most important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community. It takes all sorts of people to make the world go round - young or old and the more they understand each other, the better the world will be.

Yasmin0147 Fri 17-Apr-20 20:51:13

In these testing times I think it’s quite important to feel connected.

Ammari515253 Fri 17-Apr-20 21:06:41

I think community and communication within that community is at the heart of humankind. We live an enriched life through the stories, advice and help of our communities. Without that connection we are nothing. We can all learn something from anyone at any age. Our lives can only become better through the skills and education we can take from each other. That is the beauty of a community.

katieraven1990 Fri 17-Apr-20 21:17:01

Very important as the young and old sure knowledge and help each other

barboofa Fri 17-Apr-20 21:38:46

It is important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community for good mental health and emotional well-being. Without a feeling of connection to community one can become isolated, lonely and depressed.

SharonMS Fri 17-Apr-20 21:42:44

Everyone, of every age, needs to be and feel part of a community. In the current times feeling connected is harder but more important than ever.

td2018 Fri 17-Apr-20 22:18:27

without connection people can feel isolated and lonely

SusieWilkinson Fri 17-Apr-20 22:36:29

I think we're all different, for some, community is very important, and they need to feel connected to it. I'm more of an antisocial type and would happily never see or speak to anyone, I don't get lonely or crave company, possibly due having autism and struggling socially. It's important for community to be there for those that need it, but it should never be forced upon us.

Lorelei Fri 17-Apr-20 22:37:42

I think it is not only very important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community, but vital. For society to function properly everybody needs to feel a part of it, play their part in it, contribute, look out for each other, forge friendships and relationships. I think interaction with a range of age groups teaches each of us something, how we can learn from and about each other. The Coronavirus crisis has highlighted how essential that community spirit is, how we need to look out for neighbours, shield the vulnerable, care for those in need, do what we can to show we care for those around us. Without community we are all poorer

hutchy73 Fri 17-Apr-20 22:40:58

At the moment - more than ever , it is very important . Lots of communities pulling together to help each other . Lots of street parties will happen after this

jimsnan Fri 17-Apr-20 23:34:23

Strangely, we are faced with 'social isolation', but many have discovered their communities for the first time. When we are released from isolation, we will go back to not talking to many of our neighbours ?

Minnow0 Fri 17-Apr-20 23:43:17

A happy, caring, successful society relies on ideas, wisdom, education, experience, skills, caring, culture and humour. If we don’t communicate and include everyone loses out. Everyone of all ages can gain from one another.

mumofmadboys Sat 18-Apr-20 04:57:57

It is really important that we have caring relationships within our communities where no-one is excluded and we are all there for each other. It gives society cohesion and makes it a happier world for us all to inhabit.

Morgan9084 Sat 18-Apr-20 07:36:29

It is so important so that people of all ages are part of the community connected in a way they feel comfortable, they are then also looking after their mental health , it’s so important to keep this up and not store issues for later , by any means they are at ease with !

jooli Sat 18-Apr-20 08:05:37

For most people, social interaction is essential to make us feel connected and not alone. However, for a few, who are more comfortable with just their own company, social isolation actually gives a break from the pressures to have to interact with others!

thecatwhisper Sat 18-Apr-20 08:12:14

To learn practical tips such as cooking, gardening, skills and trades, knitting. Those things are often passed on via older generations to younger ones.

jroberts1 Sat 18-Apr-20 08:56:10

I live in a village and feel being part of a community is very important. We all know one another and are able to help our more vulnerable neighbours at this time .When you know people in your community it is easy to see when they may need a little support.

Sarandy Sat 18-Apr-20 09:03:56

It so important now more than ever to ensure everyone’s good mental health! Not only those isolating alone but for those missing family, key workers risking their lives and children who don’t understand but know something is wrong! I am struggling not being able to see my beautiful grandchildren but I know they are well and safe and enjoy little video catch ups! Not everyone is that lucky and might not see anyone for days!

Maggiemaybe Sat 18-Apr-20 09:14:28

In answer to the question, vitally important. For the very young to know that there are people around who know them and can support, praise and guide them when necessary. For the busy busy younger generation and the vulnerable to be able to call on help when they need it. For the rest of us to give what we can. There’s always been a great sense of community round here. The latest crisis has just highlighted what an effective safety net it can be.