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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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annie55w Tue 21-Apr-20 19:25:04

It is so important as it makes you feel valued.As you get older you often feel invisible.Helps with lonliness too !

NiCH Tue 21-Apr-20 19:26:35

It is important part of ones wellbeing. As we age, we need to engage in the community around so that we don’t feel isolated.

Yolostela Tue 21-Apr-20 19:52:19

It's lovely to feel connected to your community, a smile, hello when passing in the street really makes you feel happy. We've lived in our village 30 years and always try to be involved. It's a good feeling

Mamalton Tue 21-Apr-20 21:00:59

It’s important for all ages to mix in communities as more and more grandparents are looking after grandchildren and going to the children’s play centres, parties, picking up from friends and schools and can contribute a lot of life skills to the younger mums. Knowledge is a wonderful think and patient and time can be given by anyone, young or old. The young show the old new technology and the old share experiences. This is beneficial for all.

Revolucion Tue 21-Apr-20 21:29:56

How important is it for people of all ages to feel connected to their community?

It’s so important. No woman is an island. When we are disconnected we are weak.

padleys Tue 21-Apr-20 21:31:22

I think it is very important and i think it has shown since we have had to deal with this Corona Virus, more people are coming together and helping the people who cannot get out at all

Happiyogi Tue 21-Apr-20 21:35:51

I think we're discovering now how crucial a sense of belonging to a community is.

I hope that there'll be room for a different emphasis on what's important in our lives once the pandemic eases. For several decades the pressure on family life has been growing and it has got ever harder for people to have spare time after working full time, caring for children, a home, garden, extended family etc. They just don't have enough hours in the day to take on volunteer roles or be involved with neighbours and the wider community.

If big changes are made to how we live - more home working, less commuting and business travel, a shorter working week - and we keep alive the sense we have now of what's actually important in times of life and death then we have a great chance to strengthen the bonds being forged right now. They increase a sense of resilience in those who can give time and help, and a sense of still mattering to those who receive it. And that would be a very good thing for people of every age.

kyalami Tue 21-Apr-20 22:12:11

Isolation from others is torturous & even the minimum amount of connection with others goes a long way to make you feel part of life.

CillaMcD Tue 21-Apr-20 22:34:23

It is so important to keep in touch with friends and family especially the ones that are on their own. They need to feel that they are not alone and there is someone there for them.

dinkiedee Tue 21-Apr-20 22:40:08

It’s vitally important especially for older people and people living on their own that there is a sense of community

Ziggy1914 Tue 21-Apr-20 22:58:36

It's very important its peoples life line without it people dont thrive it brings people together and family and makes for better community especially now with this pandemic

suepoorta Tue 21-Apr-20 23:36:03

Being connected to those around us anchors us no matter what age we are. Being isolated and disconnected leads to a lack of belonging, lower self esteem and increased mental illness. We are not designed to be hermits but are much more pack animals. Various age groups need to intermingle as we all need to learn from each other. All ages coexisting keeps us all well rounded.

sevenkidsnotv Wed 22-Apr-20 02:25:13

Very important, especially in times like this ,when we all need each other.

maryhill80 Wed 22-Apr-20 03:44:13

This crisis has proved that people of all ages, status, cultures, can work together in a lovely way and help each other. It proves how much any age groups genders can come together in a time of need! My son has surprised me by helping the neighbours with bits and bobs at the shop for his daily exercise that is good community spirit I’m ever so proud. He does several runs in an hour to help those neighbours! As a community I feel it’s important the kids especially teenagers get involved in this crisis. We come together as one!

13Nana Wed 22-Apr-20 06:53:36

The complex unseen web of interactions spoken and unspoken, seen, heard and felt is woven between all ages and creates a community that becomes your community. It wraps us together creating a feeling of comfort and security, knowing we are not alone. In return we become more aware and thoughtful, allowing us to know those in our community, to better communicate and be aware and mindful of those around us who may be struggling. Most importantly by knowing each other it makes us kinder to others.

greenfinger5 Wed 22-Apr-20 07:03:59

It is extremely important that people feel connected, we are after all quite social beings by nature and even the smallest interaction can help with the feeling of loneliness during this isolation period .

glenka Wed 22-Apr-20 07:18:08

Its vital that that we all feel part of a community. We all need to feel like there are people there for us in times of need .

Jilln894 Wed 22-Apr-20 07:25:08

Although sometimes difficult to do due to shyness, too busy with work, isolation etc this period of lockdown has shown how important it is to do. Neighbours and the local community are just as vital as family who may be a long way away. Sometimes we can be too British and not keen to interfere, but we must make sure we realise the difference in community connectedness and interference. There is nothing worse than being isolated and lonely with no knowledge of how to change this lifestyle - not always made through choice but often through lack of knowledge or understanding (EAL). Let's all keep connected within our community!

Charlie4 Wed 22-Apr-20 07:41:39

We have spent a long time building up community connections for older people and people who have disabilities in order that they enjoy the same citizenship opportunities and rights as other people. The lockdown has suspended all group activities and socialising which will be for a longer period for those who have health vulnerabilities. It's important we find ways to connect the community in order that all the links that were in place and are not lost. When we come out of lockdown, particularly vulnerable groups, a lot of work is going to be required to build up confidence and opportunities to socialise again.

tupelohoney Wed 22-Apr-20 07:43:36

No man (or woman!) is an island and though we may live on one we are all connected. It is vital for our health and welfare to connect and care for our fellow citizens irrespective of their age, colour or creed. So reach out and share the love.

Karad Wed 22-Apr-20 08:32:22

The need for connection is one of the essential 'Human Givens'. So in whatever age, health status or circumstances we find ourselves, we need to have interaction with others

janetd Wed 22-Apr-20 08:35:14

Sense of community and belonging is very important for everyone's health and wellbeing. It is therefore important to pick up the phone and speak to people who we know are on their own at this difficult time.

Ara Wed 22-Apr-20 08:45:21

it is essential that there is community support, connection for older people, this is for good mental health and phsycial health too

cathisherwood Wed 22-Apr-20 08:53:32

Your local community is so important. There is such a sense of well being from helping each other out and looking after each other. Being able to pop to the shops knowing that there will always be the opportunity for a friendly chat is so nice. Each community has unique needs that can never be addressed by a central or even local government so local action with the community working together is vital

Lesevans6 Wed 22-Apr-20 08:53:42

No person is an Island, we all need somebody, there are lots of people in the local community to help each other even if it just to talk. In this Lock Down I have become more close to my own family by using the Internet.