10 ways you can Be More Us

Be More Us is about taking time to connect and celebrate what brings us together. It’s about being curious about the world around us. And being open to new experiences and feeling like we belong.

We want to celebrate small moments of connection as well as larger actions. Every moment makes a difference. In every conversation, there is an opportunity to be ‘Us’ and find something that connects us.

 
Below you’ll find 10 tips for how you can Be More Us – and don’t forget to send us any ideas of your own on social media using the hashtag #BeMoreUs.

Get involved in your community

Take the time to get to know your neighbours and your community. Is there a community group that meets regularly? Join in and get involved. You could chat to people in your community via a local Facebook page or use Nextdoor – a website that tells you what’s happening in your local area.

Start a conversation with a stranger

Starting a conversation shouldn’t be scary. Everyone has a story and something interesting to say, so try and be open to having a random chat. Unplug your headphones and put down your phone. Make eye contact. Smile. Talk about the weather or the bus being late. For some people who are isolated this can be the only conversation they’ve had in weeks. Small talk can make a big difference.

Phone a friend

Take 10 minutes each week to phone a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Go for a drink

Get in touch with a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while and invite them for a drink. It could be a pint, a coffee or a cup of tea. All that matters is you have a natter.

No phone challenge

Spend a whole day without checking your phone and take time to make connections in real life. Phones can be a great way to stay in touch with people, but those connections we make in real life are the ones that really matter.

Write a letter

How many people are there in your life who’ve made a massive difference to you? It could be a teacher, a parent or an old friend, but it’s rare that we get a chance to say thank you. In the hustle and bustle of the modern world writing a letter might seem a bit old fashioned. But whoever is on the receiving end will appreciate the time and extra effort you’ve taken.

Join the club

Everything’s better when we share. Find other people who love the things you do. It could be playing chess, fly-fishing, pottery or reading books – celebrate your passions and hobbies with likeminded people.

Try something new

Ever wanted to learn how to speak Spanish, ride a scooter or scuba dive? Take the plunge. One of the best ways to bond with new people is to learn something new. It’s a great way to make new friends!

Make friends with people of all ages

For many of us, our friends tend to be a similar age to us. But that means we’re missing out on perspectives and stories that might change your life. Whether you’re 8 or 86 we all have things in common, and we can all learn from each other.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to make the world a better place. But’s also a great way to expand your skills, improve your health and wellbeing and make friendships that could last a lifetime. Volunteering doesn’t have to take up all your spare time. Visit Do-it.org to find out how you can help in your local area.