New data from Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch warns that the surge in neighbourliness seen in the Spring hasn’t been sustained, as pandemic fatigue sets in across the UK.
During the peak of the first national lockdown in April, data from Co-op showed a spike in neighbourliness, with almost three quarters (72%) of UK adults saying they knew which of their neighbours was classed as high risk.
After seven months of pandemic restrictions, this figure has seen a dramatic fall, with only a quarter (26%) of a sample of 2,000 UK adults revealing they know which of their neighbours are at risk.
Further to this, of those people who have given support to neighbours during the pandemic, the reasons for doing have now changed following months of restrictions.
During the first national lockdown, 31% of UK adults said they had checked in with a neighbour who lived alone as a way to help combat loneliness. Now, months later, this figure has declined by a third, with only one in five say they have done the same.
“Our latest research into neighbourliness shows the UK’s neighbourly spirit has, worryingly, plateaued over the course of the year. The length of time of the pandemic, the personal impact on everyday lives and the shorter days and colder weather are all key reasons for why we’re seeing this.
“We’re heading into a time when millions of people are facing into a winter of loneliness and isolation, and with further tiered restrictions in place for neighbourhoods across the UK, we’re urging people to look out for each other.”
Ellis German, Home Insurance Executive at Co-op Insurance
Existing Co-op’s research into loneliness has shown the devastating impact this can have in terms of mental and physical wellbeing, with over 9 million people in the UK saying they are always or often lonely. Worryingly, three quarters (75%) of those who are lonely on a regular basis do not know where to turn for support, making neighbourliness a vital and necessary tool to help combat this.
As the nation went into lockdown in March, Shaun rallied his neighbours together to form a network of community volunteers who helped support vulnerable and shielding neighbours. The scheme was so successful that it became part of the City of Hull's official response, while many of the 400 volunteers in the group have become firm friends as well as good neighbours.
Shaun has been awarded the title by a panel of judges from Co-op and Neighbourhood Watch for illustrating the possibilities and the positive impact neighbourliness has on those living around us.
“It’s such an honour to have won this award - 2020 has been such a strange year for everyone and it’s been a pleasure to spread a little bit of joy to my neighbours. I really believe that being a good neighbour is about looking out for each other, and I hope I’ve encouraged people to actively get out and support their community – even virtually.”
Shaun Blagdon, Neighbour of the Year 2020, said of this year’s awards.
Co-op and Neighbourhood Watch are calling on people throughout the UK to reconnect with neighbours this winter to help start building back better in local communities.
“We’re urging people to band together and keep up neighbourly spirits this winter, especially with neighbours who are vulnerable or alone, whether that’s by having a friendly chat over the garden fence, checking in to see if they need food or medicine dropping off or by keeping in touch online.”
added Ellis
The annual Neighbour of the Year awards, which this year saw entries double to a record high, are being back by actress Catherine Tyldesley.
“It’s heartening to see that neighbours like Shaun exist and are being recognised for the great work they’re doing to create communities where everyone feels safe and part of something.
“That’s why it’s really important, especially at this time of year, that Co-op and Neighbourhood Watch are encouraging people to check in with neighbours who might be in need of a friendly face.”
Catherine Tyldesley