For the vast majority of us, winter is chock-full of family-oriented festivities, community gatherings and Christmas celebrations, but this isn't the case for everyone.

While we may be preoccupied with ticking off our Christmas to-do list, a worrying number of individuals in rural Ireland harbour much more serious concerns as winter draws ever nearer.

As part of the Macra’s Know Your Neighbour campaign, Calor conducted research into the biggest struggles facing communities in Ireland today.

Findings show that while unemployment and road quality top the list of concerns, issues surrounding security, anti-social behaviour and access to medical services come in third.

According to the research, 41% of individuals feel isolated from the wider community while 49% are interested in “creating and maintaining close relationships with the people in the local community”.

In an effort to bring communities closer together, the Know Your Neighbour campaign actively encourages Macra na Feirme members to engage with others in their community, especially the elderly.

Commenting on the initiative which sees the distribution of Calor Care packs containing two mugs, tea and a packet of biscuits, Seán Finan, National President of Macra na Feirme said, “Macra members are active and enthusiastic members of the communities in which they reside.”

“We are delighted to partner with Calor who are providing us with an opportunity to knock on our neighbours door, check if they need anything, and catch up over a cup of tea,” he continued.
 


As the days grow shorter, Sean reminds people to consider the wider community, saying: “A simple chat with your neighbour might provide the perfect opportunity to identify any problems that you can help with and provide comfort and friendship”

“I am encouraging all members to put their Calor care pack to good use and visit a neighbour today,” he expressed.

Echoing Sean's sentiments, Tom O’Carroll, CEO of Calor, said: “One aim of the campaign is to increase current levels of interaction between people in the local community which our research found to be marginally higher in rural areas as you’d expect (35% versus 47% in rural)”

“As we near the colder winter months, it will be more important than ever to keep in contact with elderly neighbours, a point with which almost 3 in 4 people agree - with rural dwellers placing more importance on this than those in urban areas,” he explained.

It's certainly something we should all keep in mind as we begin making a list of our priorities for the upcoming season.

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