Rely On Healthy And Good Neighbors

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:04

Rely on good neighbors

Functioning neighborhoods can do a lot to improve quality of life and wellbeing. This in turn has a positive effect on (psychosocial) health. Healthy neighborhoods are characterized by mutual understanding, consideration and tolerance. They show a good cohesion and create a feeling of belonging. You can rely on good neighbors. A conversation at the garden fence, a helping hand, an open ear - in good neighborhoods you feel comfortable and not left alone.

The term “neighbor” is common and well known. But what is neighborhood in a social science context? This is understood to mean social relationships between the population in a region that lives in close proximity and uses the same facilities in their surroundings, such as schools, shopping malls, etc. How someone is integrated into their residential area, feels comfortable there and builds relationships or interacts with others, affects health. Here you can find out what you can do to actively help shape the neighborhood.

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• ">Building bridges to one another

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• Find similarities and special features
• Meeting points in Grätzel and the settlement
• Contact "at eye level"
• Neighborhood is diversity
• Overcome inhibitions - start projects

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Building bridges to one another

The involvement in the neighborhood also has something to do with whether one has the feeling of being needed or recognized by others. For this integration, networks are needed to create trust in yourself and your neighbors. On the one hand in the form of informal networks, on the other hand at the institutional level (e.g. via public initiatives). Informal networks range from simple neighborhood help to networking many who want to actively exchange ideas and help shape the living space.

Neighborhood development should set itself the goal of promoting and building long-term networks. The exchange of disadvantaged and less disadvantaged population groups is an essential link. This also increases social capital (social cohesion). Bridges are built between different groups. Nevertheless, there can be various challenges. The constructive approach to conflicts is of particular importance.

You can find more information and practical tips on caring for your neighborhood in the neighborhood brochure of the Healthy Austria Fund (FGÖ) "Take a look, start a conversation, get active".

Find similarities and special features

Through the involvement of the residents, the formation of a network is possible in which support measures for those in need (e.g. support with errands, childcare, etc.) are planned or implemented. Those seeking help find relief, but at the same time new contacts are made and the helpers themselves are better embedded in the neighborhood. In addition, helping or volunteering can also be perceived as particularly useful and encouraging. Much becomes possible by strengthening the feeling of togetherness. If there is a good neighborly relationship, the eye for our fellow human beings is sharpened. This makes it easier to respond to problems, give tips and help in general.

Meeting points in Grätzel and the settlement

Another possibility is to create something for everyone together, for example a joint activity such as an excursion, a party, etc. Facilitating the establishment of meeting places (e.g. youth center, house of generations, parents' meeting, etc.) and the establishment of associations the formation of networks. Neighborhood networks can also be expanded - this creates a common thread of common ground and exchange opportunities from Grätzel to Grätzel.

It is important to make the meeting points as open as possible so that everyone can participate. This also includes low-threshold access (clearly perceptible times, no obligation to participate, etc.) and the corresponding "application" (invitation to take other acquaintances with you, etc.).

Contact "at eye level"

The feeling of being able to help shape your own environment strengthens so-called self-efficacy. It means that someone can freely choose an action and also believes in putting what has been planned into practice. The conviction of one's own abilities and the control over one's own life as well as events in the surrounding environment help us not to feel helpless and at the mercy.

Working in a neighborhood network can also build confidence. Confidence in one's own potential is a health resource. Through contact "at eye level" with like-minded people, appreciation and at the same time a feeling of being in good hands is conveyed. Advice is given, but also taken, and responsibilities are defined in a fixed framework.

Neighborhood is diversity

A wide variety of people meet in neighborhoods. These bring their own requirements, needs and demands on their environment. Conflicts of interest and misunderstandings can have a negative impact on coexistence, for example if there is no agreement on how free space is used. It is not always possible to bring all interests under one roof. Peer pressure can also have a negative effect - including on health behavior. However, diversity also harbors many opportunities - such as learning from one another and getting to know new perspectives etc.

Overcome inhibitions - start projects

Voluntary neighborhood initiatives sometimes reach their limits after a certain period of time, for example when professional support is needed or costs arise. This sometimes requires skill and organizational talent, for example in order to receive funding from the city or municipality or other implementation support.

Initiate projects

People and organizations who want to initiate a comprehensive neighborhood project will find valuable tips and assistance in the manual "Learning from experience - health promotion and social participation by families and older people in neighborhoods."