FIVE APPS TO ENCOURAGE OLDSCHOOL GOOD-NEIGHBOURLINESS

Nextdoor

A social network with a twist, Nextdoor stands out from the likes of Facebook and Instagram by being local and private. Neighbourhoods set up groups where members can share news, recommend local services and ask for help. Typical posts include reports of missing pets, requests to borrow an item of kitchenware and alerts about criminal activity in the area.

Free, nextdoor.co.uk

Meetup

Designed to connect people who want to explore hobbies and interests with likeminded individuals. Users can receive alerts for forthcoming events, and explore events in categories including Family and Food & Drink. The types of groups available include Terrible Football and Weekend Walks.

Free (events have their own prices), meetup.com

Peanut

Michelle Kennedy founded Peanut when, after having her first child, she felt isolated from her childless friends and unable to connect with like-minded mums. The social app introduces parents with similar interests and children of the same ages so they can give one another advice, meet up for group activities and become friends.

Free, peanut-app.io

Hoop

A social network for families, Hoop gives parents easy access to activities, classes and events happening nearby. Aimed at those with children aged 11 and under, it was created out of Max Jennings’s frustration at the lack of unified information for new mums and dads. Goodbye pinboards in cafés, hello kids’ activities up and down the country.

Free, hoop.co.uk

Streetbank

Less intrusive than Nextdoor, Streetbank introduces neighbours so they can share tools and skills, as well as give away items they no longer need. Think of it as a Freecycle or Facebook Marketplace that has a community feel. Similar apps exist for sharing everything from your dog (Borrow My Doggy) to your unwanted food (Olio).

Free, streetbank.com