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.
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Rationale

Making social connection a priority in policies and practices is essential, as the policies that shape our society profoundly impact how individuals and communities interact, connect, and thrive. Policies that account for social wellbeing foster environments where healthy, supportive relationships can flourish, contributing to a stronger, more cohesive community. Recognizing the importance of social connection as a public good, policies should aim not only to protect individual freedoms but to actively promote environments that support social interaction and reduce barriers to connection. This approach acknowledges that social connection is as integral to public health as other widely recognized determinants, such as housing, education, and access to healthcare.

The need for social considerations in policymaking becomes even clearer when we examine how policies unrelated to health or social services often significantly impact connectivity. Urban planning, for example, shapes how communities are structured, with accessible parks, public gathering spaces, and pedestrian-friendly design encouraging people to engage with one another. Transportation policies influence whether people can easily access social events, community centers, or friends and family members. Employment policies, which affect work-life balance, can either support or hinder one’s ability to maintain social relationships outside of work. These indirect yet powerful effects on social wellbeing make it essential to review, adapt, and craft policies with social connection in mind.

Investing in social programming and supporting organizations dedicated to building social bonds ensures communities have the resources, spaces, and services necessary to facilitate connection. Social programs that encourage community engagement, foster inclusivity, and provide social support help counteract the isolating effects of modern life, particularly for individuals who may otherwise lack strong social networks. By prioritizing initiatives that address social isolation, governments and institutions can create a more supportive social infrastructure, helping people of all backgrounds find and sustain meaningful connections.

Policies that actively promote social connection contribute not only to individual wellbeing but to overall societal resilience. Communities with strong social networks are better able to support each other in times of crisis, respond to public health challenges, and foster inclusivity across diverse populations. By making social connection a core focus, policy decisions can strengthen the social fabric, encourage cooperation and empathy, and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society. When governments and organizations recognize the fundamental role of social connection in achieving a high quality of life, they lay the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient community where individuals are empowered to connect, support one another, and thrive.

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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.

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