NN #20: Making Community Connections
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07 Dec NN #20: Making Community Connections

Posted at 09:37h in Uncategorized by

We’re all about connection at Neighbourhood Network- connecting with your neighbours, with your community and building strong lasting relationships with those around us.

Whether your good neighbourly deed this week was checking in on a cocooner in your community or just saying hello to your neighbours, a little connection can go a long way!

Get Your Free Activity Pack

A free resource for you & your neighbours!

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Our Community Activity Packs are just the thing you need to get out and start connecting with your neighbours.

Signing up for your own pack is simple. All you need to do is:

1.  Register your neighbourhood via ChangeX 

If you have already registered, please complete all steps on your ChangeX page to make sure you receive your pack!

2. Tell us about your community activities

Complete one of our activities or tell us about one of your own! Share a photo and description of what you’ve been getting up to in your community – then we’ll send you out a pack.

3. Get in touch directly 

If you’re having any issues sharing your photos, send your activity description and photo to [email protected] and we’ll make sure you get a pack!

How to…

Start connecting with your neighbours

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When it comes to getting to know your neighbourhood, sometimes the first step can be the hardest. Whether you’re new to your area or you’ve lived there your whole life, finding a chance to get to know your neighbours can be tough.

Here are some simple things you can do in your day-to-day life to start getting to know the people in your community.

  • Say hello!

It may seems obvious, but taking the time to say a friendly hello and introduce yourself to your neighbours is half the battle. Try to remember names as best you can, it can be tricky to remember everyone’s but it’s nice to show you’ve listened and that you care!

  • Smile ?

Make sure to flash your neighbours a friendly smile when you pass them, whether you’re rushing out the door or out walking the dog. It’s a good habit to get into and is sure to make a difference!

  • Strike up a conversation

Get a genuine conversation going by asking how they are, complementing the plants in their garden or asking what they got up to at the weekend! It helps to build these positive connections in your community.

  • Start a community messaging group

Once you’ve started connecting with more of your neighbours, consider starting up a WhatsApp or Facebook group to keep everyone in the loop about news  in your area. It’s just a matter of asking a few neighbours if they’d be interested and if they could spread the word to the people they know in the area.

Your group will be up and running in no time and will be a great resource when it comes to organising any community get-togethers like Tea-At-Three or once restrictions have lifted- a Street Feast!

  • Start a Residents Association 

If you don’t already have one, a residents association is incredibly helpful. It’s an opportunity for all members of your estate/area to voice any issues or concerns, propose community projects and work towards a more cohesive community.

Read more about Residents Associations in this handy guide by Fingal County Council and consider starting your own!

  • Shop local

There’s a lot to be said for making the effort to support local business. Not are you helping to support your community’s business owners, but there’s a fair chance you’ll start recognising the faces you see day to day on your coffee run!

Get Involved

Our New Wicklow Cross-Generational Project

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Have you ever wanted the chance to connect the younger and older generations in your town?

We’ve teamed up with Creative Ireland to bring our new ‘Time Machine‘ project to Wicklow, and we want you to get involved! This is a great chance to help combat isolation in your community and get your neighbours connecting.

If you or someone you know wants to join the project, contact [email protected]. We’ll be in touch with everything you need to know and help you get your project off the ground.

​Get involved with our Wicklow Project!

Say hi!

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Get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram & let us know what you’ve been up to in your community!

Register your neighbourhood/ existing group or sign up here!

​Read More Neighbourhood News Here​

We hope you have a great weekend, full of community and connection (from a distance)!

All the best,

Aoife & The Neighbourhood Network Team