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How did you stay connected with others over the pandemic period? 

Pretty much all virtually. Be that from simple text/Whatsapp messages or video calls. Even just a one line “hello, how you doing today?” message was so important – to send and receive. I’ve tried to continue this now we’re back to “normal”. Checking in with people is so important.

Is a sense of community important to you? 

Yes, but I don’t personally feel this always needs to be in person. It’s important to find your tribe – and that can be a group of people who have the same career, hobbies or just people you vibe with. I also think it’s possible (and totally ok!) to have a number of communities.

When has community helped you? 

When my brother died in January 2021, my friends rallied round me in a way I never thought they would have to. My core friendship group, my community, is from University and they held me up when I needed that support.

What’s your favourite conversation starter? 

 Travel. Where have you been, where do you want to go?

We know connection with others is important, but what’s your favourite way wind down and reconnect with yourself? 

Gardening, and by gardening I mean completely redesigning my garden. We moved to our current house in January 2020, so that lockdown summer was spent totally renovating the garden. I’m a very haphazard gardener and I really have no idea what will appear after I’ve planted something. All adds to the surprise element! I find the whole process very peaceful but also very satisfying as something I’ve created is growing and changing in front of my eyes.

With many communities now building online, can you recommend a podcast, book or show that has made you feel closer to others?

Sadly I experienced a loss during January 2021 when my brother passed away very unexpectedly. I stumbled across The Grief Gang (Amber Jeffrey) podcasts and hearing other people speak about their experiences was extremely comforting and helped me through those initial few months.

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How did you stay connected with others over the pandemic period?

The pandemic was difficult, not only because it was the pandemic, but because I found myself out of work and living in a new city. My partner was working from home, and I would spend my days running and sending off endless job applications. I felt futile and alone. It was difficult!

Keeping connected with others was hugely important. We had lots of Zoom quizzes with friends, and I just made sure I phoned people regularly and got out of the flat when I could. Listening to podcasts and reading books also helped me feel less alone. Even if it wasn’t direct connection, hearing people’s stories, both fiction and nonfiction, and finding common ground within that helped me to feel more connected.

Is a sense of community important to you?

Yes. It makes you feel less alone and makes you feel valued for who you are. Even if it’s something really small and simple. I think the classic notion of community can easily become overwhelming to some people as becoming a part of something new can feel like another commitment (I’m envisioning a bustling village hall type situation…which can be great for some people, but it’s not for everyone!)

But even something like going to the same sports centre regularly can be nice. Somewhere where you can bond over a common interest. It’s just knowing you can see a familiar smiling face when you need one. Having a friendly little chat can really help get you out of your own headspace.

When has community helped you?

As you can probably tell, I’ve always loved exercise. Having that outlet has always helped me. I’ve always been a part of my community sports centre both growing up in Kent, and now, living in Basingstoke.

Sports centres are always full of different people who are all there to have fun and there’s never any pressure. It’s comforting, familiar and friendly. That in itself is really grounding.

What’s your favourite conversation starter?

You can’t beat classic British weather…failing that…it depends on the situation! How are you? Where are you from? What do you do? (Before moving swiftly onto the very important topic of ‘do you like dogs?’)

We know connection with others is important, but what’s your favourite way to wind down and reconnect with yourself?

Getting out in nature. You can’t beat a long walk on the beach or in the woods. I also love baking cakes and loaves of bread!

With many communities now building online, can you recommend a podcast, book or show that has made you feel closer to others?

I love Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast. She interviews all sorts of people about their lives and various struggles they’ve learnt to overcome. There’s always something relatable. It’s the perfect mix of thought provoking and fun! It’s a good reminder that at the end of the day we’re all only human and we’re all just trying to figure everything out.