Nextdoor has partnered with leading researchers on a first-of-its-kind global study looking into how small acts of kindness can reduce loneliness in neighbourhoods over a four-week period.
Participants were asked to perform (COVID-19 safe) acts of kindness such as:
Have regular contact with a neighbour
Show care and concern for a neighbour
Help a neighbour
Provide advice or helpful information to a neighbour
Contribute to a larger neighbourhood effort, action, or activity
Other
Knowing as few as six neighbours reduces the likelihood of feeling lonely and is linked to lowering depression, social anxiety, and financial concerns related to COVID-19.
Even the smallest actions, such as saying hello to a neighbour, increased neighbourhood unity.
Performing small acts of kindness for neighbours reduces the likelihood of feeling lonely and socially isolated.
What can you do to reduce loneliness in your community? Here are some ideas:
Check-in with your neighbour over a virtual cup of coffee
Go for a socially distanced walk with your neighbour
Help your neighbour out with their shopping
Organise a neighbourhood food collection
Join the #KINDChallenge and reach out to your community today
Neighbours around the world remind us that having a neighbourhood to rely on is important. Connect with six neighbours today and start feeling the benefit now. Don't believe us?
Check out these stories from neighbours like you:
Sharon and Tom - Hove
During the first lockdown, Sharon used Nextdoor to help set up a group in her area of Hove to reach out to the vulnerable in her community. Through the group, Sharon met 92 yr old war veteran Tom. Tom has terminal cancer and recently lost his daughter who was a big part of his life and also helped care for him. Sharon posted on Nextdoor to see if anyone would like to send Tom a letter or a card to show him that they cared and that he wasn't alone. The message instantly took off with a flurry of cards, hot meals and even presents - one being a handmade wooden vase as Tom is a lover of flowers and gardening.
UPDATE - Tom passed away Thursday 03 December 2020, surrounded by all the cards and well wishes sent in by people on Nextdoor
Piotr - Penarth, Wales
Piotr was working as a coffee barista when the first lockdown hit and he suddenly found himself furloughed. Recognising that loneliness was on the rise and the power of these small but yet meaningful connections and conversations, Pitor invested his savings in a cargo bike which would allow him to deliver coffee and cookies to people in different parts of town. Piotr posts on Nextdoor to let his customers know where he's going to be that day and lets his neighbours know they don't have to buy anything if they don't want to; he is just there for a simple chat and meaningful connection.
Hollie and Harry - Epsom
Hollie Pearson shared on Nextdoor the story of Harry, an older man and WWII hero, she cared for who was about to turn 100 in the second lockdown. Harry was feeling incredibly down and isolated about celebrating his birthday in lockdown and not being able to get out and about. So, Hollie decided to turn to Nextdoor to ask her neighbours for birthday cards to cheer up Harry. From just one post, Harry received nearly 200 birthday cards on his special day, including from his local school, police station, and even his childhood football club, Millwall FC.
Prof. Holt-Lunstad is a leading expert from the United States who specialises in social isolation and the influence of social relationships on long-term health.
Prof. Qualter is a leading expert from the United Kingdom who specialises in child and adolescent loneliness.
Dr. Lim is a leading expert from Australia who specialises in the impact of loneliness on mental health.
Loneliness is a public health issue that deeply affects our mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please know there are resources available to support you. Here are just a few:
The Campaign to End Loneliness is
a network of national, regional and local organisations
and individuals working through community
action, good practice, research and policy to
tackle loneliness in older age.
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
Has your neighbour gone above and beyond to help you? Let us know!