What does community mean to you?
Community – it's a word we all know well. But whether it’s the feeling of belonging in our neighbourhood or the support we offer one another during tough times, 'community' often means something different to each of us.
When we asked people from all over the UK, "What does community mean to you?”. your responses revealed the many wonderful ways connecting with one another shapes our lives and the places we call home.
Here's what you had to say...
1) Shared activities and interests
From chair yoga and Tai Chi to coffee meetups and group walks. You said community’s about connecting through shared moments. Meeting like-minded people, bonding over interests and enjoying good company – reminding us that it’s the little things in life that matter and that we’re all in this together.
2) Belonging and togetherness
At its heart, community is a place where we belong. Communities thrive when we celebrate our differences, foster inclusion and everyone feels safe, heard, valued and able to be themselves – making the world a little brighter for all of us.
3) Mutual support, care and giving back
You said, community is about lifting each other up – checking in and offering support when it’s needed most. Small acts of kindness, like a helping hand or a call, easily says ‘you matter’. While giving back brings purpose and can spark a ripple effect, inspiring others to share kindness too.
4) Generational and intergenerational connections
Communities flourish when all ages come together. Whether it’s volunteering with local youth groups, supporting our elderly neighbours or having a simple chat and a biscuit. These interactions bring value to every generation – strengthening our communities.
5) “The good old days”
Some of you felt nostalgic for a time when communities felt more tightly knit, with neighbours looking out for one another and when children were cared for by the whole community. But it’s also this longing that sparks new hope and drives positive action to reconnect and rebuild!
6) Collective action for positive change
To lots of you, the meaning of community lies in the power that people have when they come together and create something meaningful. In south London, a volunteer described transforming a derelict green space into a safe play area 20 years ago, that is still thriving today. Taking care of our environment, fundraising for local causes and campaigning to save public spaces, these contributions to collective action, however big or small are what community is all about.
Communities are built on everyday kindness and connection
It can be as simple as a small chat over a cuppa or a Big Lunch filled with laughter. In all the different shapes and sizes communities come in, we know that amazing things happen when we come together.
So, why not check in on your neighbours? Share food and conversation with someone you want to get to know more? Or invite others to join you in spreading more joy in your community?
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