Community guideline
Make social connection a priority in policies and practices
Policies and practices across all layers of governance play an important role in shaping social wellbeing. Many policy areas that are not immediately relevant to social connection or health can have profound consequences on social and community wellbeing.
- Consider the social impacts of policy decisions and review existing policies, and integral collaboration between policy domains, to assess how they can foster or inhibit social connection.
- Invest in social programming and organizations that support social connection.
Additional considerations
Prioritizing social connection in policies and practices is essential for fostering a society where healthy relationships and community engagement are central to overall wellbeing. The breadth of policies that influence social wellbeing extends beyond those directly linked to social services or healthcare, encompassing a wide range of areas that might not immediately appear relevant but have profound effects on social and community wellbeing.
A holistic approach, similar to the Health-in-All Policies framework, is important for integrating social connection into a broad spectrum of policy domains. This approach involves assessing the potential social impacts of various policies to understand their effects on community connectivity and social trust. For example, urban planning policies that design public spaces, including green-space, to be more accessible and inviting can encourage community gatherings, or spontaneous interactions enhancing social interaction and connectivity. Conversely, transportation policies that fail to consider the needs of all community members might restrict access to social venues for certain groups, thereby inhibiting social interaction.
Employment policies also play a key role. For instance, policies that support flexible working hours, hybrid working, and parental leave can greatly improve work-life balance, allowing individuals more time to engage with their communities and families. Similarly, educational policies that include social and emotional learning programs can equip students with the necessary skills to build and maintain relationships.
Environmental policies, too, can have strong impacts on social wellbeing. Green spaces within urban settings not only provide ecological benefits but also serve as communal areas that promote social interaction and physical activity, contributing to both environmental sustainability, healthy citizens and social cohesion.
Furthermore, policies aimed at digital connectivity and media can influence social wellbeing by determining how communities engage with technology and each other. Ensuring equitable access to digital resources can help bridge social gaps, while regulating media to prevent the spread of misinformation can protect social trust and community resilience.
By considering social connections across all policy domains, governments and organizations can assess both the positive and negative impacts of their decisions on the community's ability to connect. This comprehensive evaluation helps to ensure that all policies contribute to building a more connected, supportive, and resilient society. Investing in social programming and supporting organizations dedicated to nurturing social ties also ensures that individuals and communities receive the necessary resources to foster lasting social connections. Together, these efforts strengthen the social fabric of the population, within and across communities, enhancing individual and collective wellbeing.
Additional resources
The Systems Approach of Cross-sector Integration and Action across the Lifespan (SOCIAL) Framework
Provides a roadmap for fostering social connectedness across various sectors. It guides policy, systems, and strategies to reduce social isolation, emphasizing a multi-stakeholder approach to enhance health and wellbeing through social connection.
The Foundation for Social Connection’s Social Connection Communities of Practice Network Map
Composed of organizations and coalitions across the United States working to address social isolation, loneliness, and connection.
Position Statements on Addressing Social Isolation, Loneliness, and the Power of Human Connection
By The Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection, outlines a framework for combating loneliness and promoting social connection. The statements offer recommendations for policy, identify risk factors, and highlight the need for evidence-based solutions.
Japan's Act on the Advancement of Measures to Address Loneliness and Isolation
Represents a legislative effort to combat social isolation and promote social connections. Enacted in 2021, it includes appointing a Minister of Loneliness to coordinate policies aimed at reducing loneliness and fostering community engagement.
A Connected Society: A Strategy for Tackling Loneliness
Outlines the United Kingdom's national approach to address loneliness, emphasizing evidence-based interventions, policy integration, and community support to reduce stigma and promote social connections.
The Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection
A coalition that promotes social connection and combats loneliness worldwide through research, advocacy, and collaboration. It aims to influence policy and implement effective interventions to enhance global wellbeing.
The National Academy for Social Prescribing Resource Library
Provides tools, guides, and research to support social prescribing efforts. It helps healthcare professionals and organizations enhance social wellbeing through community-based support.
Canadian Clinical Guidelines on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults
Offer 17 evidence-based recommendations to help healthcare professionals prevent, screen, and intervene in cases of social isolation among older adults, improving their physical and mental health.
Socially Connected Communities: Solutions for Social Isolation
By Healthy Places by Design, provides strategies for redesigning communities to foster social connections and address isolation. It emphasizes inclusive public spaces, community-led solutions, and policies that support social wellbeing.
The PALS Pharmacy Training on Loneliness
An accredited training program for pharmacists to identify and manage loneliness in patients. It includes evidence-based modules and practical tips to integrate social wellbeing practices into pharmacy care.
An Alberta-based hub focused on promoting natural supports—mutually beneficial relationships that enhance wellbeing. It provides resources, training, and research to strengthen community connections and improve overall health.
The Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness (SCSC)
Focuses on combating social isolation and fostering social connectedness through research, advocacy, and collaboration. SCSC partners with global organizations to promote inclusivity and resilience.