What makes a community?

It’s a word that gets banded about today probably as much as it ever has, but what is community, where do we find it, and why do we prize it so highly?

It may just be this writer’s age, but when we think of community, isn’t our first thought often that of a village? A place where everyone knows everyone, and everyone looks much the same. Where the pace of life mirrors the pace of change: slow.

Very few of us live there nowadays! Modern life is invariably urban, fast, diverse and digital. We’re as likely to bond with someone on the other side of the globe, via the internet, as we are to know and be friendly with our immediate neighbours.

Yet some things haven’t changed. We do all still have neighbours – whether we know them or not. We still live in distinct neighbourhoods, sharing the same shops, places of worship, public amenities. 

Today’s internet communities and the other society-wide groups we relate to are all well and good, but they won’t put your bins out when you’re away for a few days. Nor are they likely to join you down at the Town Hall to protest the closure of your local community centre. 

We still need community in that old-fashioned sense, just as much as we ever did. One Housing does what it can to support and encourage community initiatives. Our current Community Fund a brilliant example if we say so ourselves. This platform (the clue’s in the name), another one. 

But ultimately community relies on all of us – residents, neighbours, citizens.

From the smallest gesture of kindness and consideration, through to the heroic efforts of the devoted community champion, what examples can you think of? 

Go on, start a conversation. Describe a time when you witnessed, felt part of, or benefited from community. Who knows where it could lead…