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It is so important! Not only can we all learn from people of all ages and with very different experiences; but humans are social creatures. We need connection in our communities to survive and thrive.

I think it's really important, especially in the current circumstances. I love that this has changed the relationship with other people in the community, I think we have so much more respect for each other, particularly for those who are in jobs that are usually unappreciated such as retail workers and delivery staff. I also love that there is a lot of support in our area for the eldery and those in need of help. The support and money raised for the NHS by 99 year old Captain Tom Moore has been a true highlight of this time and has really shown what we can achieve as a society young or young of we all help each other out.

It is essential for mental well being to feel connected

I live in London and I have always felt part of this community but I have always made an effort to try to get to know at least the namses of new people and wave to the children. I think it is marginally easier living in a small mews- it is easier to get to know one's neighbours etc. and this Covid 19 I think has brought, on the whole, the best out in people.

Very important. Keeps you in touch, makes you feel aware and not lonely. And you feel younger!

Being connected to your community is important as it means that not only are they there to support you but you are also able to support them

It's very important as it makes people feel that they're not alone, that there are people out there they can connect with

We are social animals, throughout time we have needed a clan ,group to share news , food. trade
We need each other

I've owned my current home for about 10 years. I lived in it on my own for a long time and then, when my daughter had my grandson and her relationship collapsed, she and grandson moved in with me.

Because I'm a professional, out for work at 7am, not home until evening, 7pm or later, I never realised what a tight community I live in. Daughter and grandson brought it home to me though. Most people on the street know my GS's name, say hello to him in passing and wave if they can see him in the front window.

Since we have been in lockdown (I have asthma), we have been inundated with offers of help. People will get our groceries if we need them to, the local chemist will deliver even non-prescription medicines and someone put a packet of paracetamol through our front door when my daughter was ill. We all clap at our doors at 8pm on Thursday and shout/chat to each other.

Although we're all locked in, the caring and friendliness of our community is heart warming. All ages, from elderly, to young families live here. From professionals to supermarket workers. My daughter is half Afro Caribbean and GS is half Chinese. NO prejudice at all. To paraphrase the words of Rita, in Educating Rita, 'Who'd've thought we'd have paradise in our street?'

I didn't realise how important it is to feel part of a community until I emigrated. I felt as if I had been surgically sliced out of my community where I had lived for nearly 50 years. It took me forever to find my feet in a new one, and so I know all about the importance of belonging to a community where people know you. Without connection, one is adrift.

It's extremely important and this crisis has seen fantastic community spirit. It has brought out the best in most people (barring a few idiots!). I have seen wonderful things happening in my town and my Mum's village. So many selfless people doing extraordinary things out of the kindness of their hearts. Very uplifting!

Now more than ever it is so important for people to feel connected and to help each other, a smile or a small act of kindness goes a long way. Family and friend are so important.

It's very important for everyone of all ages to stay connected with everyone at this awful time, By talking to family and friends is the only thing that will get us all through this without us all going mental.

I don’t think any of us realised just how important our community was until this happened. It has definitely brought us together. I have lived in my street for 14 years and have only just got to know some of my neighbours. I’ve had notes through the door asking if I need help and on Thursday’s when we all come out to clap, it gives people a chance to check that you’re alright. It’s given me peace of mind and I hope when all this is over the community spirit will continue!!

It's very important. We don't feel connected at the moment. All our neighbours are staying indoors. Even if we see them in their garden it's just a wave. It's perfectly ok to have a conversion outdoors if you stay 6 ft apart.

It is crucial that everyone feels connected to their community otherwise a sense of community is lost for all. Everyone needs to care as isolation can be very lonely.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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 !

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.

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.

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 ?