Jubilee is the perfect chance to start loving thy neighbour
MILLIONS of us have only exchanged quick greetings with neighbours – but a charity is out to change that over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
Despite living so close for years, just under half know the name of the person next door, says a study. One in 20 has never spoken to them
But Action for Children charity says: “It makes a real difference if neighbours look out for each other.”
Just under a quarter surveyed admit they call their neighbour just “mate”, while a fifth (20 per cent) have only said a quick hello. But since the pandemic, 48 per cent say a sense of community is especially important for children, with 43 per cent believing it is good for themselves as well. The charity, which carried out the survey, added: “We know that this support has a hugely positive impact on wellbeing – especially in these tough times.
“If you’re not close with neighbours then it might just be worth reaching out and trying to make that connection.
“Whether it is getting bins in or simply making small talk – every little helps to build that relationship.”
The charity is actively encouraging contact with the Big Jubilee Lunch.
Celebrate
It has joined forces with Iceland as part of the Platinum Jubilee festivities over the bank holiday on June 2-5.
A spokesman explained: “Many neighbours will be coming together to celebrate the Jubilee which will be wonderful, but we hope they can extend that sense of community for more than one weekend.”
Action for Children’s study also found it takes an average of three years to properly get to know your neighbours, but after lockdown, 38 per cent feel they are closer than ever.
The survey of 2,000 people, carried out by OnePoll, said low fences or walls in the garden and both having children or a dog were among things that can help break the ice.
Of those who do know neighbours, 23 per cent would class them as really good friends. Other positive aspects of the relationship include watering each other’s plants or borrowing things.