Three in ten Brits interacting less with neighbours than they did in lockdown
Community spirit reached all-time highs during lockdown – but now, just 7% of Brits say they feel “very connected” to others in their neighbourhood, a study has found.
As life has returned to normal after the pandemic, three in ten Brits admit they are interacting less with their neighbours than they did in 2020 and 2021.
And 58%, of the 2,000 adults polled, even say that they now go days, or even weeks, without saying a word to those who live nearby.
As a result, almost half (47%) feel the community spirit in their area could do with a boost – and food may be the solution.
A new campaign, the “Kind Communities Challenge”, is encouraging neighbourhoods to unite through the “power of food”, in a bid to revive local spirit, and reduce loneliness.
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It was launched by Crock-Pot, the makers of the 6.5L Sizzle and Stew slow cooker, in partnership with former The Only Way Is Essex star, Lydia Bright.
Just 7% now say they feel “very connected” to their neighbours (SWNS)The TV personality said: “Shared meals with family and friends is something I cherish. Growing up in a big and welcoming family, meals with friends and neighbours were an integral part of my childhood.
“Food is not just for survival, it unites cultures and fosters understanding among people from all walks of life, bringing them together to enjoy something wonderful.
“It provides a time to sit down, take a break from the stresses of busy life, and catch up over a delicious home-cooked meal – in my eyes, there’s no better way to bring people together.”
The study also found, for 61%, the knowledge that someone cares enough to cook for them makes them feel special or loved – and 41% said sitting around a table and eating with others helps them feel less alone.
Nearly half (47%) also admitted cooking for others plays an essential part in building and nurturing relationships within their community.
Ruth Cooper-Dickson, positive psychology practitioner, said: “Meaningful human connection through food is a fundamental source of happiness and wellbeing. Cooking brings us together, fosters acts of kindness, and strengthens our bonds with loved ones and neighbours.”
But sitting round a table and sharing a meal with others in their community helps four in ten feel less alone (SWNS)The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found that while 26% of those polled rarely cook for people in their communities, 18% do so weekly, or even daily. Of those, 56% usually do so for friends, 53% for extended family, and 22% for their neighbours.
However, 18% believe this has decreased in the last 12 months, as 38% cite troubles with affording it.
Mark Taylor, from Crock-Pot, which has donated multicookers to FoodCycle centres in the UK, said: “We pride ourselves on providing the opportunity to unite people through food – bringing friends, neighbours, families, and communities together.
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“When cooking for others, food has the power to connect people, forming vibrant, thriving networks of love and support. Whether it’s whipping up a whole casserole, or simply baking a cake with the kids to share with people around you, every little helps.
“And the benefits also go both ways – for all the joy people feel when someone cooks for them, it’s just as rewarding to be the one doing the cooking.”
For the chance to win kitchen items and £1,000 to spend on groceries, post an image or video of a home-cooked dish you’ve made for someone in your community on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, using the hashtag #KindCommunties, and tagging @crockpotuk, before 5pm, on October 30.
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