Research reveals nearly 10 million Brits give back to the local community, as over two thirds find happiness in their neighbourhood.
Finding joy and wellbeing are phrases we are all familiar with, whether it’s ways to avoid working from home burnout or how to combat the stress of changes over the last few years, many of us have looked for ways to build happiness. But new research has shown that the key to happiness is within our local communities and through getting involved in local groups we can not only create joy for ourselves but also give back to those around us.
Recent research has shown that the more activities and groups you are involved in within your local community the happier you are – with 60% of us saying that we are pleased to be living in our local communities.
Most of us will have joined the local pub quiz or aerobics class once or twice, but a recent poll of 3,000 adults by community retailer SPAR revealed it is group activities with shared interest and local charity causes that bring us together and make us feel part of something larger.
However, for some joining a local group or good cause may seem complicated or time consuming but the research found that 40% of us believe meeting new people is important, so getting together with others is key to building happiness.
To help you find the best ways to get involved with the local community and build a virtuous circle of happiness we have got some top tips:
Staying Up To Date With Local Events
The best way to stay up to date with events and groups in your area is to join local Facebook pages – 53% of people find out what is going on in their community via these groups, followed by the local paper (48%) and details in local shops and cafes (41%). Joining is simple and you will soon get to grips with how things work in your neighbourhood.
Doing Your Bit For Charity
If you have a charity or cause you feel strongly about the best way to get others involved is via a coffee morning. When asked which local charity events we take part in 49% said coffee mornings, 43% attend charity jumble sales and 39% were part of community fun runs.
Read: Ways to stay connected and keep a sense of community
Starting Your Own Group
Many of us have taken up new hobbies and pastimes over the last few years due to a combination of lockdown and more time spent at home so if you have a new interest you are likely to find others in the area who would like to take part. The research showed that 40% of Brits said if they started a new activity others would join in their local community – so if the groups in your neighbourhood aren’t quite your cup of tea now is the time to start your own.
The Role Of SPAR Stores
SPAR stores are at the heart of the communities they serve, and to give shoppers across the UK the chance to make their community better, SPAR have launched their £100k Community Cashback scheme to give grants to local voluntary or community organisations and charities who need it most.
Successful organisations include Bags Full Of Love, an organisation based in West Dunbartonshire that aims to give every child entering foster care a new backpack filled with new comfort and personal care items, and Northumbria Blood Bikes, a charity run by local volunteers who deliver life saving blood platelets and plasma to hospitals across the region. And who can argue with that?
Find out more at https://www.spar.co.uk/community-cashback