Survey shows rise in community spirit
A survey into local and global community showed that over two in five (41%) adults across Wales had an increased sense of community spirit in their neighbourhood since the start of lockdown, Christian Aid revealed today (September 21).
In the survey by Savanta ComRes, commissioned by the aid and development charity, nearly three in ten of adults (27%) across Wales also said they felt more part of a global community than before the virus outbreak began.
The survey results are launched as Christian Aid is encouraging people this autumn to come together within their local communities, in line with restrictions, to help those worldwide who have been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Responding to the poll findings, Cynan Llwyd, Acting Head of Christian Aid in Wales, said, "We know that Wales is a nation of close communities; it’s one of our distinctive features. So to find that over 40% of people in Wales feel that community spirit has actually increased during the pandemic is quite remarkable.
"I probably shouldn’t be surprised, because I’ve heard of so many stories of new community groups springing up all over Wales offering practical help to those having to self-isolate. From doing the weekly shopping, to collecting prescriptions, neighbours have been there for one another during this crisis. It’s been great to see."
The Archbishop of Wales, John Davies, responding to the sense of global community spirit shown in the survey, said, "I’m very encouraged to see that despite all the challenges at home, Wales has not lost sight of the significant needs of the poorest in our world in this time of crisis. Christian Aid exists to support the poorest and most vulnerable communities globally and Covid19 has shown that the work they do is as crucial as ever."
Cynan Llwyd added, "As we can see, the virus hasn’t disappeared but neither have the world’s poor.
"I want to encourage people across Wales to continue with that awesome sense of community spirit and to make a real difference in the lives of neighbours near and far this autumn."
Christian Aid is responding to the coronavirus outbreak in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. It is working together with partners and faith leaders to inform people about the risks, offering vital hygiene training, equipping health facilities with supplies, and providing food packages and soap to the most marginalised families.