Social wellbeing
As social creatures by nature, we all strive to connect with others. When we feel socially isolated, it can lead to negative feelings which build even more isolating behaviours. It also leads to loneliness, which can be incredibly damaging to mental health and wellbeing.
Here are some tips for improving your social wellbeing:
Making connections
There are many ways you can make great connections with people, whether this is joining a new club, online forum, going to the park, talking to neighbours or reconnecting with friends you may have lost touch with during the pandemic.
At Network Homes, we have lots of ways you can get involved through our resident engagement programme. Many of these activities are a chance to come together with other residents and work with us to improve your community and the services you receive. Have a look at our involvement opportunities and if you're interested in taking part, please contact our Resident Engagement team by emailing get.involved@networkhomes.org.uk or call 0300 373 3000.
Get Involved with Network Homes!
Managing loneliness
There are lots of services available to help manage feelings of loneliness including:
- Befriending Networks (befriending.co.uk) whose website has information on befriending, including an online directory of UK befriending services.
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) who provide listening services, information and support for anyone who needs to talk, including a web chat. Call 0800 58 58 58 or visit thecalmzone.net to find out more.
- Meetup.com, a website that allows you to find face-to-face groups of people who share your interests or aspirations.
- Reengage (reengage.org.uk) run social activities for people over 75 who have little or no social support. They also offer rainbow call companions, a free telephone befriending service specifically for LGBTQ+ older people over the age of 75. Call 0800 716 543, email info@reengage.org.uk or visit www.reengage.org.uk for more information.
- The Silver Line provides support, information, friendship and advice for anyone aged over 55 who may feel lonely or isolated. Call 0800 4 70 80 90 or visit thesilverline.org.uk to find out more.
Taking care of yourself
When we take care of ourselves, we can be better friends, colleagues, partners, and parents. If you are offering support to someone going through a tough time, make sure you take time out for yourself to ensure it doesn’t become overwhelming for you.
Getting active
Why not try inviting your friends on a run or walk? If you have a dog, invite a friend or family member to go on a dog walk with you. This can be a great way to socialise whilst working on your physical health too.
Read more physical wellbeing tips
Connecting with your children
Bonding with your children through adventures, listening, and learning is a great way to bring you close together and boost your social wellbeing.
Click here for ideas of activities to do with your children.
Take part events in your community
We have a calendar of local events that we've organised for residents, as well as events organised by organisations in your community. We regularly update the page so you can check what's on in your area.
Check out our Local Events page
Come along to the Mix Cafe every Thursday from 12-4pm at our Sele Farm Community Hub
This is a weekly mental health drop-in session led by one of our local residents. It's a chance to get talking and break the stigma around mental health by connecting with people in the local community. Feel free to come in for a tea and coffee, and nibbles. You can also meet Network Homes’ Mental Health Liaison Officer. This is free and open to all, no need to book! Click here to find out more.
