Millward Brown Research
92 per cent of people in Ireland recognise need to rediscover community spirit
-Less than half the population play an active role in their community-
-Rehab is calling on people to reconnect with their community in support of 1 Day for Rehab on Sunday June 20th-
Press Release
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The vast majority of people in Ireland (92 per cent) believe that there is a need to rediscover the traditional sense of community spirit, with under half (47 per cent) of adults currently playing an active role in their community, according to a recent survey. The research was undertaken by Millward Brown Lansdowne to coincide with Rehab’s first national fundraising appeal and community involvement event, 1 Day for Rehab, taking place on Sunday, June 20th.
Although 93 per cent of those surveyed report that they know their neighbours, it seems that there aren’t a lot of opportunities for getting to know them better – one in ten people never speak to their neighbours at all (8 per cent), and 20 per cent of people don’t even say ‘hello’ once a week! Yet, a sense of community is important to 90 per cent of people, which is probably not surprising given that eight in ten people (82 per cent) have lived in the same neighbourhood for five years or more.
Responding to the results of the survey, Pauline Crowley, Head of Fundraising at Rehab, said, “Nine out of ten people think that we need to rediscover our sense of community spirit. We hope that 1 Day for Rehab will give people an easy opportunity to get involved in doing something exciting and really worthwhile for their communities. By taking part in any of the activities planned for 1 Day everyone can help to generate valuable funds for Rehab’s services to people with disabilities and others who are marginalised. There are so many ways that people can help, and all funds raised locally will go directly to the local Rehab service.”
All over Ireland, events are planned on 1 Day to promote community participation and the involvement of people of all ages. Events already taking place include treasure hunts, family days, sports challenges, coffee mornings and raffles – but the limit is our imagination!
One of the key initiatives taking place as part of this inaugural fundraising appeal is the 1 Day Lunch. Sharing a lunch is a wonderful way to get to know neighbours and friends better, and lunches – picnics, barbecues, casual or gourmet events – can take place among families, friends, neighbours and colleagues in homes, back gardens, community centres, staff canteens, estates and neighbourhoods. To find out more about 1 Day for Rehab, to register as a lunch host or to see the other community fundraising activities taking place nationwide, and the ideas that you can do, simply log on to www.1dayforrehab.ie where you can also sign up to receive a fundraising pack.
Each year, Rehab helps over 7,500 people in Ireland to live their lives and realise their aspirations, learn new skills and play a full part in their community. Rehab works in over 125 locations across the country, with 2,500 staff members helping people to live their lives the way they choose, through resource and training centres, residential and supported accommodation services, and in respite care, outreach and home-based services. Rehab urgently needs funds that will be raised on 1 Day for Rehab to support the continued development of its high-quality services in local areas across the country.
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For more information please contact:
Alison Kelly, 086 1955722 / alison@insightconsultants.ie
Paula Donaghy, 085 121 8495 / paula@insightconsultants.ie
Notes to the Editor
This research was conducted as part of the Millward Brown Lansdowne Catibus Telephone Survey based on a nationally-representative sample of 1,000 people aged 15+. The fieldwork was conducted between 12th-15th April 2010.
About Rehab
Rehab is a leading non-governmental organisation which works towards a world where every person has the opportunity to achieve their potential. Over 3,350 Rehab staff members provide high-quality health and social care, training and education, and rehabilitation, employment and commercial services in Ireland, England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Poland. The people who currently use Rehab’s services include young people and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, people with mental health difficulties, people with autism and people with an acquired brain injury. A range of essential services is also provided to older people, carers and others who are marginalised. For more information see www.rehab.ie
Key Findings for Milward Brown Lansdowne research:
The research was conducted using Millward Brown Lansdowne Catibus Telephone Survey.
Nationally representative sample of adults aged 15+, n=1,000.
Fieldwork conducted 12th – 15th April 2010.
- Over half of all Irish adults aged 15+ have lived in their neighbourhood for the past 20+ years. These longer-term residents are more inclined to know their neighbours (98%) than those who have lived less than 10 years in their current neighbourhood (78%).
- On average, just less than half of all adults converse or call on their neighbours more than once a week. Those living longest in their neighbourhoods have more regular contact with their neighbours.
- Irish adults are less divided when it comes to their role in their community. Slightly less than half of all adults feel they play an active role (47%), stronger amongst white collar workers.
- Although slightly less than half of all adults play an active role, the majority of adults do agree that a sense of community/knowing your neighbours is overall important (90%).
- Given the current challenging economic times, there is overall agreement that we need to return to basics and rediscover our sense of community spirit (92%) .
- Over half of all Irish adults aged 15+ have lived in their neighbourhood for the past 20+ years. These longer-term residents are more inclined to know their neighbours (98%) than those who have lived less than 10 years in their current neighbourhood (78%).
- On average, just less than half of all adults converse or call on their neighbours more than once a week. Those living longest in their neighbourhoods have more regular contact with their neighbours.
- Irish adults are less divided when it comes to their role in their community. Slightly less than half of all adults feel they play an active role (47%), stronger amongst white collar workers.
- Although slightly less than half of all adults play an active role, the majority of adults do agree that a sense of community/knowing your neighbours is overall important (90%).
- Given the current challenging economic times, there is overall agreement that we need to return to basics and rediscover our sense of community spirit (92%) .
