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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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grannyqueenie Mon 20-Apr-20 23:01:33

We felt very much part of a community when we lived in a large city, we knew so many people through children's schools etc and working locally too. Missed that when we retired to a small town in a new area but over the last few weeks have seen, and have benefitted from, the community here pulling together in all sorts of ways.

dahlia08 Tue 21-Apr-20 10:06:49

It’s time to get in touch with families, friends and colleagues. Send them some nice greetings, a beautiful song, a sayings, anything which you think may cheer them and make them happy. And hopefully this trend continue in the future.

nabob Tue 21-Apr-20 10:35:15

Yes it is extremely importat as we can all contribute something, whether it be help with shopping or a daily joke as my husband is doing!

smith106 Tue 21-Apr-20 11:11:43

It's very important especially for people who live alone.

chris8888 Tue 21-Apr-20 11:19:59

I think it depends what sort of personality you have yourself. I like to `drop in and out` of things. I don`t like the pressure though to take part all the time. I have found since retiring that there is an expectation that since you have time, you can do more. So yes to community, no to pressure.

Nellie098 Tue 21-Apr-20 11:55:01

As I age my confidence lowers
Stuck indoors for what seems like forever
Whatsap, Facetime what should I use
I seek help from the young to keep me amused
I seek help from my elders to help keep me sane
So of course we need them all for when we meet again.

drlulittle1 Tue 21-Apr-20 12:21:35

It is soo important for all ages to be connected. We can use technology in a creative way to help us.
My mum is 75 & is loving using zoom & playing with the virtual backgrounds.

Daph Tue 21-Apr-20 12:34:45

Being part of the community helps us all to remain centered and in touch

sueholistic Tue 21-Apr-20 12:54:41

It is vitally important that we keep in touch with people in our community particularly during lockdown to help protect everyone's mental health and to feel valued and supported.

Mapleleaf Tue 21-Apr-20 13:00:27

Yes, it's very important as we are social animals, by and large. (I know there are people who prefer their own company and want to keep themselves to themselves, but the majority want and benefit from contact with others). It's important that all generations interact because from that comes understanding and learning. Whatever our age, we have so much to offer each other. This virus has meant quite a rethink on how this can be achieved, and fortunately many have access to technology to allow them to stay in touch, but of course, not everyone has access. This is why it is still so important to be aware of those around you, and support however we can.

Valski Tue 21-Apr-20 13:54:32

Vitally important and pretty much essential in fostering a sense of community and inclusivity and creating a harmonious place to live for all (regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality etc). The benefits of being recognised and feeling part of a community are being reaped in the current coronavirus crisis with people reaching out and helping others.

I would also argue that places such as libraries have in recent years become community hubs and now my local library is home to a scrabble group, board games club, knit and natter, afternoon coffee meets, a crafting group, computing for seniors, a Manga comic club, rhyme time for babies, a gaming club and a teen scene! It is wonderful to see all ages and interests recognised and given the same priority and has ensured our local library (also home to a gym and a council services desk), feels like a community hub open to everyone.

davpay Tue 21-Apr-20 14:36:29

Very important, loneliness is a killer!

magshard20 Tue 21-Apr-20 15:14:01

A community is NOT a community if it doesn't have a mixture of people, businesses, shops, houses, schools etc. Community is what is needed at this time of national trials and tribulations, we all need to back each other up ( from a safe social distance) look out for each other and be there when others want back up of any kind.
I heard the other day of a place not far from where I live, the whole street put money in a pot and hired a skip, so that all the rubbish from DIY projects that had been ongoing throughout the past few weeks could be taken away. That is community coming together for the good of the area and the people who live there.

fosssie222 Tue 21-Apr-20 15:44:03

It is essential, people of all ages need to be able to share positives and negatives of all ages and stages of life.

oldwalshy Tue 21-Apr-20 15:53:27

A sense of belonging, being loved and wanted.From young to elderly, is so important.Let Covid 19 reunited the world

Angela6 Tue 21-Apr-20 16:03:05

Many people do not have family members close at hand, some have none at all. It is important to respond to everyone's greetings, yours might be the only contact each of you have that day. Spread a smile, or a wave, every little helps.

Leefitz68 Tue 21-Apr-20 16:09:25

Without neighbours if you have no family you are totally alone, get involved in community events as much as you can and stay active

susie14 Tue 21-Apr-20 16:40:38

I think it's really important to be connected and part of your local community, it can help in so many ways, particularly in this current crisis. I hope that all the goodwill generated continues long after CoVid19 leaves us.

crusosa Tue 21-Apr-20 16:46:11

I think it doesnt matter our age, we have the need to feel connected. We are social animals, and independently of the amount of social interaction we need, belonging goes beyond that and relates to being healthy.

Isobelw Tue 21-Apr-20 17:07:44

Hugely important in particular during this lock down period

MrsNotgotalot Tue 21-Apr-20 17:22:55

The importance of being connected to the community can sometimes mean the difference between life and death, especially for someone living on their own.

ladyraven Tue 21-Apr-20 17:45:30

So important to keep community spirit raised...especialy now. skills and knowledge disapear so quickly if there are no connections made between the generations.

amesbham Tue 21-Apr-20 18:10:13

It is so important for all ages to feel connected to their community - especially in the situation that we all find ourselves in at present. I must say, one of the great things to come out of this crisis is the sense of community where I live, and throughout the Country. We have gotten to know our neighbours more and found out more information about where we live.

laurelmail Tue 21-Apr-20 18:34:55

It's importent for people to be in touch with freinds and family at a time like this being able to moan a bit laugh a bit cry abit but knowing that your not alone

fialcross Tue 21-Apr-20 19:16:37

Feeling connected to your community is very important to all ages as it gives us a feeling of belonging and being able to ask for, or offer, help and support. A community looks out for everyone and can quickly respond when they see something out of the ordinary and celebrate any milestones.