Step 1: CONNECT

Connect with the people around you your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Spend time developing these relationships.

Good relationships are important for your well being.

They Can:

• Help you build a sense of belonging and self worth

• give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

• provide emotional support and allow you to support others

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

Do

• if possible, take time each day to be with your family, for example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together

• arrange a day out with friends you have not seen for a while

• try switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family

• have lunch with a colleague

• visit a friend or family member who needs support or company

• volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group. Find out how to volunteer on the GOV.UK website

• make the most of technology to stay in touch with friends and family. Video-chat apps like Skype and FaceTime are useful, especially if you live far apart

• search and download online community apps on the NHS apps library

Don’t

• do not rely on technology or social media alone to build relationships. It's easy to get into the habit of only ever texting, messaging or emailing people

• think you are alone