Coronavirus: Social distancing measures are bringing communities together, study finds

One quarter of people have been in touch with a vulnerable neighbour to offer help

Social distancing is reportedly helping to bring communities together with a quarter of adults saying they have spoken to neighbours they previously had no relationship with.

The study of 2,000 UK adults, which was conducted by Channel Mum, found that 64 per cent believe Covid-19 is helping to bring their local community closer together through random acts of kindness.

While nearly one quarter (23 per cent) of participants said they had been in touch with a vulnerable neighbour to offer help, one third said they had offered to get shopping and essentials for those unable to leave the house.

The study also revealed that 40 per cent said their street or community has set up a help group for those nearby who are unable to go out due to being elderly, vulnerable or in self-isolation.

In addition, three in 10 of people said they had made an effort to check in on elderly relatives while others have started to donate to food banks (13 per cent), volunteer for charity or local groups (10 per cent) and shop from a small or local business instead of simply going to a large chain (28 per cent).

Siobhan Freegard, founder of Channel Mum said: “The coronavirus crisis might be causing stress and fear but it’s also kick-started a wave of kindness around the country.

“People are putting politics and other divisions behind them to concentrate on helping each other and bringing their communities back together.

"By sticking together and supporting those around us, we can hopefully make the uncertain weeks and months ahead a little easier.”

The study also showed that it is not just communities which are being affected by coronavirus, with 49 per cent of participants saying the believe it will also bring them closer to their partner.

While 57 per cent said they previously struggled to spend time with their partner due to busy work and family schedules, 74 per cent believe they will now have more quality time with their other half.

Almost four in 10 went as far as to say being at home with their partner will have a positive impact on their relationship.

As people avoid pubs, bars and restaurants, 43 per cent of people polled added that they are turning to “at home” date nights with watching a film together (57 per cent) considered the most popular way to spend time together at home, followed by cooking together (56 per cent), having an alcoholic drink (41 per cent) and a meaningful conversation (41 per cent).

Other activities couples are taking in part in together include listening to music (26 per cent), watching box sets (24 per cent) and playing board games (24 per cent).

The findings come just days after a leading divorce lawyer suggested the coronavirus outbreak is “very likely” to lead to an increase in marriage break-ups.

“The prediction amongst divorce lawyers is that following self-imposed confinement it is very likely that the divorce rate will rise,” Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia said in the House Of Lords.

“Our peak times are after long exposure during the summer holidays and over Christmas.

“One only has to imagine what it's going to be like when families are sealed in a property for a long period of time.”