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It is very important for people of all ages to be part of a community. It can be difficult for people of any age to engage with others for a variety of reasons, including physical disability and hidden reasons. Some people are naturally happy on their own and actually want to lead their life in a solitary fashion, and for some, this is fine. Others find it hard to interact due to shyness or an inability to communicate with others because they don't have the inbuilt knowhow, for want of a better way to phrase it. It would seem to be the case that those who have friends are less like to feel lonely or have low self esteem and depression.

It’s so important for people of all ages to feel connected to their community as it makes you feel that you’re not on your own. You can learn such a lot from different age groups. Just look at how everyone got together for VE Day. History coming to life right in front of you. How much the younger generation can learn from their elderly relatives and neighbours and vice versa. It helps your mental wellbeing - just going for a walk around the local area, someone is sure to say hello or just give a smile. Shopping locally gives you the chance to speak to people, unlike the soul less supermarkets. All coming together on a Thursday at 8pm definitely lifts your spirits. After lockdown let’s hope this feeling of community will continue.

It’s very important that people of all ages stay connected to their local community. In this day and age social media has a large part to play but mustn’t take the place of face to face connection. Recent times have emphasised how lonely isolation can be so remaining connected has become even more important.

Because communities benefit from the diversity of all ages, backgrounds and interests and real community is based on sharing, caring and embracing each other as we each are with any 'shoulds' removed!

To-day when most of us live away from our extended family community is more important than ever. Years ago most people stayed in the same locality as we were born and grew up, so therefore we had intergenerational families around us, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins etc. These days our commnities are taking on the roles, so it is more important than ever to feel conected. During recent times, we have seen communities come to-gether and help each other out. Long may it last, lets hope that this is one of the positive things to come out of lockdown.

Connection is important and can be achieved at a level that feels “right” for the individual. Not everyone wants to be on the planning committees but even just stopping to pass the day with your neighbour, staff at the local shop etc can make all the difference

It's so important to connect and look after your community right now. I hope people feel they can ask me if they need anything. Isolation can be such a problem, and mental health is just as important as physical health.

it's important for all ages especially at the moment

It's important - humans are social animals

Extremely important for metal health reasons to stay connected to family, friends and local community.

So important! Even more so now! Loneliness is a horrible feeling and it can really effect mental health. With all the technology available it should be possible to stay connected with everybody

Very important, not just for older people but also for young people and children. Community connection makes people happier and lowers crime.

It's so important, and more important than ever at this moment in time. However, I'm finding things very lonesome ~ I would usually chat with a couple of friends on a daily basis, but since the death of my brother, one decided to not be a friend any more, and since this lockdown, I've not heard anything from the other. I'm not saying I can't manage being on my own, but I enjoy chatting and having a laugh. I've sought out other friends to talk to, but it's just not the same as long time friends....

We are all part of the community and it really makes a difference if all ages pull together, the kids love to hear stories of the older generations lives and the older generation love to see the youngsters enjoying themselves and inbetween love seeing them together.

It's very very important! Sometime you still do feel lovely with friends, but you always can get very comfortble talking about anything with your close friends. They understand you more and support you in everything you do.

Really important - its great to know who you live near and how you fit in with them - some people you just won't get on with and close confinement with neighbors at stressful times can lead to annoyances ..... but also kindnesses.

It is very important to feel part of a community whatever age you are. We all need support from one another and friendships are so important, knowing there are people to talk to and help when you need it is so vital.

It's so important for everyones mental health to come together as a community especially now, when it can be so difficult if people don't have family close by. We can learn a lot from one another by bringing generations together.

It is very important for everyone to connect with their community. The current situation shows how we can all seek help locally or help someone. One good thing that has emerged from the pandemic.

Very Important so we can hear each others views and understand them especially as the press seem determined to Pitt us all against each other

It’s important as people who are isolated die younger and it good for your mental health

For anyone of any age, being connected to your community is vital. We are part of a wonderful small community in our town and everyone is there for everyone. We would look after each other's children, shop for people who found it difficult, keep an eye out for each other..the list is endless and it benefits everyone. Now we're having to stay at home, it's become a lifeline for some.

Connection is so important. It counteracts loneliness and aids wellbeing

It's very important, especially now as isolation can lead to loneliness and health problems.

To be honest I think it depends on the individual. Personally I'm very active in my community, but when I was younger I was more "connected" to my friends that to my local community.