Growing sense of community spirit felt in Wales

WALES has seen a growing sense of community spirit since the start of the pandemic according to new Covid-19 research.

The new monthly telephone version of the National Survey for Wales asked 1,400 people from across Wales questions on wellbeing, loneliness, employment, finances, food poverty, GP appointments, social care, and education to find out the how the pandemic has affected their lives.

The latest results show that despite the unprecedented levels of uncertainty experienced throughout the crisis there has been a growing sense of community spirit across Wales. More people are helping others, less people feel lonely and generally people continue to feel happy.

Key results from the June survey include:

■■84% of people feel they belong to their local area, with 85% of people feeling that people from different backgrounds get on well together in their local area (+9% from last year);

■■77% of people say they are happy with 39% of people feeling anxious;

■■35% of people look after or support family, friends and neighbours (+6% from last year); ■■1 in 10 people have volunteered to help with the Covid-19 situation in the last four weeks;

■■12% of people said they were lonely (-3% from last year).

Welsh Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: “Despite facing the biggest challenge of a generation, I am pleased to see that Wales’ community spirit has continued to thrive during the pandemic.

“I would like to thank everyone who continues to contribute to the survey.

“The feedback we receive is invaluable and will help inform our decision making as we begin our road to recovery.”

The National Survey for Wales: 2020 monthly survey is a large, random sample telephone survey covering people from across Wales.

It began on 24 April 2020, after face-to-face National Survey fieldwork was halted on 16 March 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The results published this week are only part of what is covered by the survey, with results on other topics will be reported throughout the year.

Results and more information about the National Survey for Wales can be found at: www.gov. wales/nationalsurvey