My neighbours went weeks without speaking… here’s how I changed that

COMMUNITY spirit is in decline again having reached new highs during lockdown, a study has found.

The poll of 2,000 adults found 30 per cent are having fewer interactions with neighbours than they did during Covid.

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And 58 per cent have sunk back to their old ways – going days or weeks without speaking to those who live nearby.

It means nearly half of Brits surveyed think the community spirit in their neighbourhood needs a boost.

And just seven per cent feel “very connected” to their local population, a study commissioned by slow cooker brand Crock-Pot found.

The firm has now teamed up with Towie star Lydia Bright to launch the “Kind Communities Challenge”.

It aims to revive local spirit and reduce loneliness by inspiring neighbourhoods to unite through the ‘power of food’.

Lydia said: “Shared meals with family and friends is something I cherish.

“Food is not just for survival; it unites cultures and fosters understanding among people from all walks of life, bringing them together to enjoy something wonderful.”

The study, by OnePoll, found for 61 per cent, the knowledge someone cares enough to cook for them made them feel special or loved.

And 41 per cent said sitting around a table and eating with others helps them feel less alone.

Despite this, 26 per cent of those polled rarely cook for people in their communities, 18 per cent do so weekly or even daily

Nearly half admitted cooking for others plays an essential part in building and nurturing relationships in their community.

Of those, 56 per cent usually do so for friends, 53 per cent for extended family, and 22 per cent for their neighbours.

Mark Taylor, from Crock-Pot, said: “Whether it’s whipping up a whole casserole, or simply baking a cake with the kids to share with people around you, every little helps.”

For the chance to win kitchen items and £1,000 to spend on groceries, post an image or video of a home-cooked dish you’ve made for someone in your community on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, using hashtag #KindCommunties and tagging in @crockpotuk before 5pm, October 30.