As human beings, it is in our nature to be social and live within supportive communities. Just consider a world where communities and next-door neighbours didn’t exist – a lonely world indeed.

There are far-reaching benefits of connecting with and supporting your local community. It not only gives you a sense of purpose and fulfilment but may help you to discover new passions and skills, allowing you to thrive in other areas of your life. It also provides a way to meet new people with similar interests to your own. And who knows, perhaps lifelong friends will be made? Besides benefiting areas of your own life, your community will directly benefit too! What goes around, comes around in a supportive community. For example, discovering and supporting new products and services offered in your community will help you while simultaneously contributing to the economy of your local community. 

One of the true advantages of supporting your local community is that you can align your mode of support to your passions, financial means, and available time. If you’re in need of some ideas, we have created the ultimate “Supporting your local community” checklist:

• Show support online. If you don’t have the financial means or time available, show support by telling your friends and family about the offerings, writing positive reviews online, or sharing the business on your social media. This won’t cost a thing and will require less than five minutes of your time.
• Support local purchases. Buy a meal from a local restaurant or opt for buying gifts from local businesses. Supporting local businesses is also better for the environment due to their smaller carbon footprint compared with larger, commercialised companies.
• Volunteer. Whether you choose an animal shelter, park run, or community event, your time and assistance are invaluable to those you are helping.
• Share your expertise with others. For example, assist businesses in setting up e-commerce websites so that they can continue to sell their offerings online and gain more traction. Tutoring is another great way to support virtually.
• Participate in community clean-ups or fundraising events.
• Donate to local charities. The next time you decide to do a spring clean of your home or closet, bear in mind that the jersey you no longer wear because “it has gone out of fashion” will do a perfect job of keeping someone else warm.
• Go on a stay-cation. Instead of booking big-chain hotels and resorts, consider staying in locally owned accommodation.
• Don’t forget about the animals. Have a look at the website of your nearest animal shelter to see how you can help. 

It’s important to look after and give back to the place you call ‘home’. It’s a two-way street after all.