Written by Zainab Otubu Odumosu, young person, January 2025
I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.
Mother Teresa
There’s no doubt that the pandemic saw an outburst of community spirit that inspired hope and held the nation together. However, with the rise in hate crime in the years since, it begs the question: Has the UK forgotten the value of community?
Before modern life, tribes of people lived united by a shared solidarity; they were one village, one nation, and one community. We’re not wired to go through life solo, confined to the walls of our homes or trapped within our individual struggles. At our core, we’re social beings, designed to find strength, purpose, and safety in one another. A thriving neighbourhood is more than just a collection of houses — it’s a tapestry of shared lives, a sanctuary where each of us contribute to a collective sense of belonging and security.
Community as a source of strength
A community is like a wellspring of energy; it empowers us in ways we don’t always realise. When we foster connections with our neighbours, we create an environment where kindness and empathy flourish. In these spaces, we transform from strangers into protectors, mentors, and friends. A strong community gives us a priceless reminder: someone’s got your back when things get tough, and someone will step up when it counts.
But here’s the thing — community doesn’t just fall into place. It’s built on effort, showing up, and those everyday gestures that make life a little warmer. Whether it’s sharing a wave across the street, checking in on the elderly, or throwing a neighbourhood street party with a barbecue, these small acts plant the seeds of care, trust, mutual respect, and friendship. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good barbecue?
Safety as a shared responsibility
We all want to feel safe, right? Well, your neighbourhood is a great place to bring about safety.
A neighbourhood is safest when its members feel invested in protecting one another. Imagine the power of unity: neighbours looking out for each other’s children as they play; neighbours watching over each other’s homes; a shared understanding that every individual has a role to play in preserving peace. This is real safety. When people feel connected, they’re less likely to cause harm and more likely to intervene when something seems like a cause for concern. This is the kind of culture we must strive to build — one where care and accountability coexist seamlessly.
Personally, I believe that for as long as we live, we should be of service to and care for one another.
Fostering a spirit of togetherness
As previously mentioned, a profound sense of community doesn’t happen by accident; it’s cultivated through intention and love.
Here are some ways we can actively foster togetherness and ensure safety in our neighbourhoods:
- Make friends with your neighbours: Learn their names, ask about their hobbies, or bond over how much you all hate taking out the bins. Connection is key.
- Be vigilant (look out for one another): Keep an eye out for any suspicious criminal activity in your neighbourhood and look out for the people who live in it.
- Team up: Start a Neighbourhood Watch Group, organise a street party, or advocate for improvements like better lighting or public spaces. Collaboration makes magic.
- Support the vulnerable: Check in on young people, the elderly, people with disabilities or accessibility needs, or anyone living alone. A quick chat or helping hand can mean the world.
- Create spaces for connection: Whether it’s a park, a local café, or a shared garden, safe neighbourhoods thrive on spaces where people can come together.
The deeper purpose of community
Fostering community is about creating a supportive environment where people of all backgrounds can come together and live in harmony without fear of discrimination. Community is a place where every individual feels like they belong and a sense of belonging means a sense of comfort, of safety. But safety isn’t just the absence of danger — it’s the presence of peace, trust, care, and connection. When we invest in our neighbourhoods, we’re investing in something sacred. We’re affirming that no one should have to face life’s challenges alone. We’re declaring that every person matters. And most importantly, by investing in community we’re embracing the power of community to create happier, safer, places to live for all.
A call to action
In a time where it’s easy to feel disconnected, let’s remember the power of community. Let’s embrace the idea that safety isn’t something we outsource — it’s something we create together. And when we do, we’ll find that a strong, united neighbourhood isn’t just a refuge; it’s a foundation for a better world.
Every effort, no matter how small, ripples outwards. So, take that first step. Knock on a door. Start a conversation. Extend a hand. Your community is waiting for you, and together, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.