THE signs showing you’re a model citizen have been revealed – and few people think they make the grade.
Indicators include checking on elderly neighbours, volunteering and how you handle neighbours parking in the street, according to research.
A study of 2,000 Brits has revealed the top 40 factors which make up the perfect member of the community, with just 15 per cent believing they fit the bill.
Donating to food banks, doing odd jobs for people and keeping the garden neat and tidy also featured highly on the list.
While being trusted with the neighbours’ keys, pets and plants and shopping locally are seen as signs you are a good member of the community.
But 45 per cent admitted they consider themselves to be ‘average’ citizens, who don’t go above and beyond in their local area.
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The research was commissioned by Redrow, whose spokesperson said: “Far from nightmare neighbours, this research paints a picture of the model citizens we’d love to live next door to.
“There’s a lot of conversation about community spirit and whether there’s enough of it in the UK at the moment.
“We strive to deliver a better way of living for people, and that means thinking about the whole development and the community.
“Our research gives some great tips on how you can be the best citizen possible and brighten up the lives of those living around you.”
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The study also found a fifth would consider someone who’s happy to help a neighbour jump-start a car to be a great citizen.
While 17 per cent just want someone who, if they do own pets, ensures they’re not overly loud or annoying.
It also emerged 36 per cent feel ‘worthwhile’ when they do something they believe benefits their community, while 48 per cent have made good friends with their neighbours after coming together to work on a common goal.
However, 22 per cent believe they could still be doing ‘a lot’ more, and only 17 per cent feel they’re doing as much as they possibly could.
Of those who feel they could give more, 37 per cent struggle after a hard-working week, and 22 per cent don’t think they live somewhere with a ‘community feel’.
TOP 40 SIGNS OF A MODEL CITIZEN:
1. Checks in on elderly members of the community
2. Volunteers
3. Picks up rubbish in and around the local area
4. Donates items to those in need
5. Is trusted with the neighbour’s keys, pets and plants
6. Donates to a food bank
7. Shops locally
8. Does odd jobs for the neighbours
9. Reduces food waste
10. Keeps their gardens neat and tidy
11. Takes part in local charity events
12. Helps neighbours jump start the car / with a flat tyre
13. Warns neighbours of potential late nights / noisy parties
14. Gives blood
15. Fundraises
16. Adopts elderly locals as friends
17. No loud or annoying pets
18. Complains to the council about something on behalf of the community
19. Joins Neighbourhood Watch
20. Obeys the Highway Code
21. Takes rubbish down to the tip for others
22. Offers to mow other’s lawns if doing their own
23. Helps out in the local school
24. Never parks on the kerb
25. Plants in a community garden
26. Campaigns for better local roads
27. Puts the kettle on for local delivery drivers, tradespeople etc.
28. Campaigns for better lit streets
29. Sends Christmas cards
30. Takes home other people’s rubbish
31. Helps others paint / do up their homes
32. Delivers eggs / homegrown fruit and veg to locals
33. Help others understand public transport
34. Offers to walk neighbours’ dogs
35. Shares details of local businesses on social media
36. Helping neighbours park their car
37. Gives lifts to the airport for holidays
38. Lends money to family and friends
39. Reads to people
40. Goes round with charity tins
The main benefit Brits would like from a more community-minded neighbourhood would simply be having someone to talk to (33 per cent).
But a quarter would really like someone to bring in parcels for them when they’re away, and 25 per cent would like to go to more social events.
The study, carried out via OnePoll found 28 per cent believe there are fewer ‘model citizens’ in their area than there would have been a decade ago.
Almost a quarter of those in the West Midlands and East Midlands (24 per cent and 23 per cent respectively) see themselves as the perfect citizen, compared to just one per cent in the North East and four per cent in Yorkshire and the Humber.
And almost two-thirds of people in the East Midlands would like to help out more in their community, too – the most of any region.
When it comes to building relationships within the community, 64 per cent of Londoners have made friends with their neighbours after helping out in the community.
A Redrow spokesperson added: “Our research shows homeowners living with a higher level of community spirit are happier, which is why we ensure all of our developments follow our ‘Listen to Learn’ placemaking design principle.
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“This approach recognises that a successful place to live is one which responds to the needs and aspirations of the local community and is thoughtfully designed to encourage sustainable community engagement.
“From taking in parcels to checking in on elderly members of the community, we understand that communities thrive when they are made up of good citizens who look out for one another and respect their environment and those within it.”
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