WALES has seen a growing sense of community spirit since the start of the pandemic according to new covid-19 research published today, Wednesday, July 23.

The new monthly telephone version of the National Survey for Wales asked 1,400 people from across Wales questions on wellbeing, loneliness, employment, finances, food poverty, GP appointments, social care, and education to find out the how the pandemic has affected their lives.

The latest results show that despite the unprecedented levels of uncertainty experienced throughout the crisis there has been a growing sense of community spirit across Wales.

More people are helping others, less people feel lonely and generally people continue to feel happy.

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Key results from the June survey include that 84 per cent of people feel they belong to their local area, with 85 per cent of people feeling that people from different backgrounds get on well together in their local area (+9 per cent from last year).

Seventy-seven per cent of people say they are happy with 39 per cent of people feeling anxious.

Thirty-five per cent of people look after or support family, friends and neighbours (+6% from last year).

One in 10 people have volunteered to help with the Covid-19 situation in the last four weeks.

Twelve per cent of people said they were lonely (-3% from last year).

Finance minister, Rebecca Evans said: “Despite facing the biggest challenge of a generation, I am pleased to see that Wales’ community spirit has continued to thrive during the pandemic.

“I would like to thank everyone who continues to contribute to the survey.

"The feedback we receive is invaluable and will help inform our decision making as we begin our road to recovery.”

Full results from the survey are available on the National Survey web pages.