Connect with the people in your life, including family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, whether you are at home, at work, in education or in your local community. See these relationships as important parts of your life and spend time developing them. Building these connections can support you and enrich your everyday life.

The Mental Health Strategic Partnership (this partnership comprises of Mind, Mental Health Foundation, Rethink Mental Illness, Mental Health Providers Forum, Network for Mental Health, Centre for Mental Health and The AFIYA Trust) Building resilient communities report found that social connections were frequently highlighted as one of the most important factors, not only for wellbeing, but also for longer term resilience. Evidence suggests that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.

Here are some suggestions for ways to connect:

• talk to someone instead of sending an email or text
• speak to someone new
• ask about someone’s week and really listen to what they tell you
• set time aside to find out how someone really is
• thank the people you are grateful to
• give a colleague a lift to work or share a journey home.

For further information on connecting with people, see the Action for Happiness website.

The Building resilient communities report also found that that peer support is invaluable in helping people to deal with difficult circumstances, whether that’s unemployment, physical or mental health problems, bereavement or other difficult circumstances.

This page brings together key resources and support to help you connect with others in your work and personal life. This includes practical information, our Science Behind Wellbeing workshop, counselling and peer support.