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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.

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.

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 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.

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 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!

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.

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?'

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

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

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

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

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.

It is essential for mental well being to feel connected

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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.

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 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.