Our new research with More in Common, Time Well Shared, explored what local community and connection mean across generations, ten years on since Jo Cox’s murder.
While community connection might have declined, demand for it has not
While many feel that their communities have become more divided and that their own ties to their neighbours have weakened, a third (33 per cent) still want to improve their community connections.
Older people are less likely to feel lonely than younger people
Social connection is higher and loneliness lower among the oldest age groups. While simple “over-the-fence” chats are the way a majority of Britons feel most connected to their area, older generations are far more likely to utilise these local ties and feel able to turn to their neighbours for help.
Anxiety and digital fatigue are personal barriers for young people
38 per cent of 18-24 year olds cite anxiety or a lack of confidence as a barrier to community connection, versus just 6 per cent of over-75s. Young people describe feeling less locally rooted, and digital spaces aren’t fixing it: 62 per cent of Britons say online interaction is fundamentally less meaningful than in-person connection, compared to just 7 per cent who prefer digital.
Financial hardship is a structural barrier to community connection
While 59 per cent of those who are financially comfortable feel connected to their community, that falls to just 26 per cent among those unable to afford basic essentials—with nearly one in five citing cost as a direct barrier to taking part.
Mutual respect is the key to good connection across generations
Across generations, people acknowledged their differences but didn’t think it should get in the way of engaging with one another. Respect is the deciding factor: young people want to be treated without suspicion, while older people want politeness and in-person interaction.
Community connection is often built on simple “micro-moments”
Feeling connected to your local area doesn’t require massive lifestyle shifts. Our data shows that community is forged in the small, everyday interactions – stopping for a brief chat on the street, giving directions to a stranger, or feeding a neighbour’s pet while they are away.
Conclusion: The path forward
Our research with More in Common UK confirms a powerful truth: despite a decade of growing division, the British public’s appetite for community has not diminished. The desire to connect is fiercely alive, but millions are being locked out by financial, generational, and psychological barriers.
Social connection is not a “nice-to-have” – it is the literal bedrock of a safe, resilient, and cohesive society. To honour Jo Cox’s legacy, we must actively build bridges. Moving forward, The Jo Cox Foundation is using these insights to sharpen our mission across four vital pillars:
1. Bringing communities together, in person
The most meaningful connection happens in our streets, parks, and neighbourhoods and through in-person initiatives like The Great Get Together.
2. Encouraging respect and bridging difference
With political polarisation particularly acute, we must cultivate mutual respect where people are encouraged to have constructive conversations across disagreements – trading suspicion for actual dialogue and living Jo’s message that “we have far more in common than that which divides us”.
3. Supporting grassroots, community-led action
Because loneliness and disconnection are heavily driven by barriers like poverty and anxiety, the solutions must be accessible to everyone – not just the financially comfortable. We are committed to supporting community-led action in an assets-based approach so everyone has the opportunity to belong.
4. Removing barriers to connection through advocacy
We will continue to advocate for policy and practice changes that remove barriers to connection and make belonging possible. This includes advancing our Call to Action on loneliness and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect, participate and belong.