How community spirit is thriving in difficult times

I know many people are finding the restrictions we are currently living with hard work, but there is some positive news out today about the impact of the first lockdown on community spirit in people aged between 50 and 69. 

A Centre for Ageing Better survey found two thirds of 50 to 69-year-olds said they now know more people they can count on to help out when needed. This figure was even higher in older age groups, increasing to 72% of people aged 60-69 and 84% of people aged 70 and over.

The survey also found more people in every age group had volunteered to help others, from calling friends and family to check they were okay, to helping with shopping for those less able to get out themselves. 

At Legal & General we work closely with a number of voluntary organisations and community charities, including Royal Voluntary Service, Independent Age and Carers First. During the first lockdown we were aware that loneliness and mental health became a real concern, particularly for the elderly. This concern led us to pilot a ‘befriending programme’, where Legal & General volunteers befriended someone vulnerable or lonely over the phone.

Picking up the phone for a regular chat might not seem a big thing, but it can really lift the spirits of people on both ends of the call. We’re living through difficult times but today’s report shows one positive, community spirit is thriving.