The coronavirus pandemic has brought communities together and created a new army of volunteers, new research suggests.
A major survey of almost 160,000 people indicated that society in the UK has pulled together during the Covid crisis.
Stronger connections within neighbourhoods and communities, along with millions of new volunteers keen to carry on working, could help drive a step-change in social connection, it is hoped.
Most respondents, who have got to know their neighbours better, want to keep the benefits of closer communities and build on them, while millions have volunteered for the first time, said the report.
Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service, which was involved in the research, said: “The data confirms what we have always known about the power of volunteering. It brings people together from all parts of society supporting our communities through times of adversity.
“It is one of the most pivotal ways to unite us and this is something the Covid-19 pandemic has really taught us. It is wonderful to see that those who have volunteered for the first time during the pandemic would like to carry on doing so.
“There are many benefits to volunteering and evidence it benefits both our physical and mental wellbeing, keeping our bodies and minds active. It also provides a sense of purpose and is one of the most rewarding ways we can give back.”
Bishop Nick Baines, who chaired trustees of the group behind the report, said: “Despite the immense challenges of this pandemic, people have responded by pulling together, not apart. That is quite remarkable, given how divided our society looked as Britain entered 2020.
“Faced with this adversity, we could have become more divided and looked for others to blame. Yet this new research finds that people feel a stronger sense of connection to their neighbours and community.
“There are worries, too, about divisions re-emerging in the difficult times to come, but we found a clear public appetite for a society in which we are more connected to each other and the community spirit of 2020 is kept alive.”
