Communities are stronger than ever, according to a new report commissioned by Spar UK.
The research finds the key elements of a great neighbourhood include good neighbours (28%), feeling a sense of belonging (22%), and free green spaces (11%).
In addition, the report shows that 31% of respondents said they were involved in activities for local causes including improving the area for others, with 18–24-year-olds most likely to be involved with local community projects, such as litter pick-ups.
The research found that a third of us have lent a hand more since Covid-19 and 28% said the community had grown closer. Nearly half (42%) also felt they had got to know people in their neighbourhood more, including people working in local shops.
Nurturing a neighbourhood and helping it thrive was something that 57% found important, saying they wanted to make a difference. The most popular ways to build this sense of community include coffee mornings (49%), charity jumble sales (43%), and community fun runs or walks (39%).
New community activities have also taken the nation by storm in recent years, including bird-watching groups, baby massage and yoga groups, and community gardening groups.
Spar’s report also revealed the most community-driven locations in the country are Neath Port Talbot, Norwich, Dunfermline, Swansea, Barnsley, Hackney, Derry/Londonderry, Plymouth, Chelmsford, and Preston.
John Drury, a social psychologist from the University of Sussex, said: “It’s no coincidence that the activities that were found to drive happiness most – local get-togethers, pub quizzes and dog walking – are all activities that allow people to extend their social circle and form new friendships. It’s also worth noting that some of the most popular activities locally, such as litter picking and community gardening, serve to improve the community environment. They produce a virtuous circle of happiness in the local community.”
Suzanne Dover, Spar UK Brand and Marketing Director, added: “This report shows exactly what makes a community and how important things like links with local shops are to help build this connection.”
