Let’s make new connections – #NewYearNewUs
As it’s a leap year, 2020 brings 366 days of new opportunities to connect.
What will you do with that extra day?
As part of #NewYearNewUs, we’re encouraging people to start the New Year by reaching out to those around us, giving something back to our communities, and tackling loneliness along the way.
Making New Connections
Sometimes it can be hard to put yourself out there and try and make new connections. So start off small.
Research shows that small moments of connection actually improve your wellbeing, sense of community, and how you feel about yourself. It could be waving at a neighbour, smiling at someone on the street, or even having a chat with someone on the bus.
A great way to meet new people is to think about what your interests and hobbies are.
Whether it’s gardening, singing, or underwater basket-weaving(!), making new connections and finding people you relate to is important for all of us. Go online, or check noticeboards and the local paper and find out what’s on near you. Even better, you could create your own group!
Getting involved with local organisations like Together Co can be a great way to give something back to your local community. And you never know you might meet along the way like Leila and Halima.
Get to know your neighbour
More and more of us are living alone. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you will experience loneliness. It’s important we have friends and things to do nearby, and feel like a part of our local community.
But for many people this simply isn’t the case. Bereaved or single older people are especially at risk of experiencing loneliness.
Do you have any new neighbours who have recently moved in nearby? Pop over and say hi! It could be the start of a wonderful friendship like author, Jess Pan and her neighbour.
So this year, let’s connect with those around us; pop round to an older neighbour’s house who lives alone, find ways you can volunteer and get more involved in your local community, and make those new connections. You never know who you might meet along the way!
Find out more about how to get to know your neighbour.
Some ideas to get you started
Go for a walk with The Ramblers
The festive season can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed, stressed and disconnected from nature. The Ramblers’ winter walks help you to connect with more people locally, explore beautiful landscapes and discover a new feeling with every walk.
Get involved in Big Lunch
Moving to a new area this year? Organising a Big Lunch can also be a fantastic way to get to know your community.
Get active whilst giving back with Good Gym
Good Gym stop off on their runs to do physical tasks for community organisations and to support isolated older people with social visits and one-off tasks they can’t do on their own.
Get in touch
We want to hear from you!
Let us know how you’re reaching out to those around us and making new connections this year.
#NewYearNewUs