Good neighbours often form the backbone of resilient and happy communities

‘Neighbours | Everybody needs good neighbours.’ The opening lines to the eponymous theme tune of the Australian soap will be familiar to many. But how much of an impact can neighbourliness really have on wellbeing? It turns out that, under the right circumstances, the answer is rather a lot. Connected neighbours enjoy increased resilience and other mental-health benefits, safer communities, social cohesion and practical support.

Before you rush to join your neighbourhood WhatsApp group or start knocking on doors, however, it’s important to remember that there’s nothing wrong with keeping to yourself. Not everyone enjoys joining community initiatives, and there can be valid reasons for wanting to maintain a distance from some neighbours. But, if you’re lucky and able to try, then, as the Jackie Trent-penned lyrics continue: ‘With a little understanding | You can find the perfect blend.’

Living in harmony

While it’s often neighbourhood disputes that hit the headlines, the reality is that many people live in close proximity to each other relatively harmoniously. For some, this might just mean a nod of acknowledgement or, again, as per the theme tune ‘a friendly wave each morning’, a passing comment about the weather or an agreement to put the bins out when one household is on holiday. Simple actions like parking cars considerately and not playing loud music at unsociable hours can make any area a more pleasant place to live. Then there’s walking each other’s pets, checking in on and running errands for older people or those with health problems, car-pooling, mowing lawns, welcoming new folk to the area and meeting for dinners, book clubs, board-game evenings and street parties. Even popping by to change a lightbulb can make a difference.