Limited social circles and less social interaction due to the pandemic means that the people you are most likely to see on a daily basis are your neighbours. It also means that your neighbours may be experiencing loneliness or other difficulties. If you have a bit of extra time and energy, there are a lot of ways that you may be able to make these strange times a little easier for others in your community.

Say Hello

Sometimes, the simple act of saying hello can make someone’s day a little brighter. When you happen to pass by your neighbours, see if they are up for a small chat while keeping a safe distance. Some may want to continue going about their day, but others will appreciate a pleasant conversation. Senior neighbours may be feeling particularly isolated during this time, especially if they don’t use social media or other digital ways to keep in touch with their loved ones.

Reach Out

If you don’t see your neighbours in person too often or you don’t feel comfortable striking up a conversation, there are other ways to reach out to them. For example, you can leave a note in someone’s mailbox introducing yourself. Many communities also have online hubs where you may be able to get in touch. Check out Facebook groups or the Nextdoor app to see if your local community is active there.

Offer Help

Once you have said hello or reached out to a neighbour, you can ask if they need any help. Some people may require assistance getting groceries or other necessities, like pet supplies. You can offer to pick up a few things on your next trip to the store or show them how to order groceries online if they are not familiar with the process.

Even if your neighbour doesn’t need anything at the moment, let them know that you are available to help should they have to go into isolation. In that case, they may also need assistance with tasks like snow shovelling, yard work, or even walking their dog. Offer your phone number or email so that they have a way of contacting you.

Be Proactive

Some people may not be quick to accept help because they don’t want to be dependent on others or don’t want to feel like they are bothering you. If you have a neighbour who has a tough time going to the store or who is in a high-risk group, for example, then you can offer to pick up some items for them when you are already on your way out. This might help them feel like they are not inconveniencing you.

Another easy way to be proactive is to make a post in your community’s online group detailing what kind of help you can provide so that people can reach out to you when they need it.

While the pandemic made it easy to feel isolated, it has also presented a unique opportunity and motivation for building a sense of community closer to home. Use it as a chance to get to know your neighbours and give yourself something positive to focus on as well.