Friendly and helpful neighbours make a good community, poll reveals

Independent shops, children’s play parks and a good school are what Britons consider to be some of the most important attributes of a community.

A poll of 2,000 UK adults found a friendly postman and passers-by who say ‘good morning’ or ‘hello’ are also key to creating a wholesome environment to live in.

Following a difficult 18 months, 80 per cent stated that having friendly and helpful neighbours makes a community a happier place.

It also emerged that 38 per cent helped someone who was shielding during the coronavirus pandemic, with the vast majority of those supporting someone they knew in their community.

And whether they knew them or not, 89 per cent said providing help for someone who was shielding was a rewarding thing to do.

Nearly half of UK adults have donated to a food bank over the past 18 months, with 16 per cent feeling motivated to do so for the first time in their lives.

The survey was commissioned by British Gas to mark the latest milestone in its partnership with the Trussell Trust – a £250,000 donation that will help provide emergency food and support to people facing hardship - while contributing towards Trussell’s strategy to end the need for food banks in the UK.

Karim Awadia is one of nearly 2,000 British Gas colleagues to support the Trussell Trust’s national network of food banks over the past 18 months, by delivering food parcels to the doorsteps of local people who’ve been shielding, volunteering at collection points, improving facilities on site and more.

Mr Awadia said: “The pandemic has shone a light on how vital communities are to us, not only to feel connected to our local area and the people in it, but to lean on for support when times get tough.

“As we look ahead to a Christmas we hope to spend with our loved ones, it is more important than ever that we capture that increased sense of compassion we all felt as the pandemic hit, and continue to support people in our communities who might be struggling to afford the essentials.”

The OnePoll research revealed nearly three quarters of UK adults feel they live in a good community, and 44 per cent consider themselves to be a helpful member of the community.

Now that restrictions have been eased, nearly one fifth of adults would like to start a community group – and 29 per cent would like to join one.

Almost one third would consider cooking a warm meal to help someone in their community, while 43 per cent say they’d be happy to offer them a lift, and others would call them regularly to check they’re okay.

It also emerged many believe good neighbours should do their best to check up on others to ensure they’re not suffering from loneliness.

Mr Awadia added: “As the pandemic pushed more people into precarious situations and food banks were about to face their busiest month, we stepped in last year to help people facing crisis.

“Christmas can be a tough time for lots of people – this December, food banks in the Trussell Trust network face giving out 7,000 parcels every day.

“Together, we have an opportunity to help meet that increased need by volunteering and donating now, so that nobody needs to go hungry.

“But we know it takes more than just food to build supportive and strong communities.

“Something I learned when delivering food parcels to people’s doorsteps this time last year is that it’s important to connect with people and come together to create a more compassionate society where we can create the change which ends the need for food banks in the UK.”

SWNS