Community guideline

Promote awareness of the importance of social connection

All organizations play an important role in facilitating social interactions and creating norms that make social connections easier.

  • Play an active role in promoting widespread awareness of the importance of social connection through health promotion, community dialogues, professional education programs, policy-making and other efforts.
Young men hanging outPeople gathered around a computer Two girls interacting with their phone

Rationale

Promoting awareness of the importance of social connection is essential because these connections are foundational to maintaining physical and mental health, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Despite their critical role, social connections are often overlooked in healthcare, public policy, and community planning, where more focus is frequently placed on diet, exercise, and sleep as determinants of health. However, mounting evidence reveals that social connection is as vital as these traditional health-promoting behaviors, with positive relationships linked to lower rates of chronic disease, better mental health, and greater longevity. Without sufficient awareness, individuals and organizations may not prioritize social connection as part of a healthy lifestyle, leaving a significant gap in our approach to holistic health.

By actively promoting awareness, communities can foster a broader understanding of the health benefits associated with social connection and the risks tied to social isolation and loneliness. This awareness not only educates individuals but also encourages a societal shift toward inclusive and supportive community norms. Public health campaigns, community dialogues, and professional education programs can serve as effective avenues to communicate the importance of social connection, integrating it as a core component of wellness in educational settings, workplaces, and healthcare systems. Such initiatives encourage people to see social interaction as essential to health and empower them to prioritize and engage in activities that strengthen their bonds with others.

Furthermore, raising awareness paves the way for organizations, employers, policymakers, and educators to create environments that naturally facilitate social interaction. For instance, workplaces can establish policies that encourage teamwork and collaboration, educational institutions can implement social-emotional learning curricula, and public spaces can be designed to foster community gatherings. When social connection becomes a recognized priority, these sectors are more likely to provide opportunities, programs, and spaces that help individuals build and maintain meaningful relationships. In turn, these efforts contribute to a more socially cohesive society, fostering resilience and improving quality of life for all community members.

This awareness is particularly important in diverse communities, where social cohesion and mutual understanding are essential for resilience and inclusivity. As societies become increasingly multicultural, building strong social connections across diverse groups can help bridge divides, reduce prejudice, and foster a shared sense of belonging. Awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of social connection can normalize these values, encouraging people to reach out to those from different backgrounds and create networks that reflect the diversity of their communities. When communities and organizations prioritize social connection, they not only improve individual health outcomes but also enhance overall community wellbeing, creating a society that is more inclusive, resilient, and supportive for everyone.

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Related Evidence Briefs

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Case Studies

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Supporting Research

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Additional considerations

In light of the significant impact that social connections have on health and wellbeing, there is a pressing need for a holistic and comprehensive approach to raise awareness. Wellness extends beyond physical and mental health to include social wellbeing and other determinants as core components. Understanding that social connection is as important as other aspects of health is essential for developing effective community interventions.

Methods to promote social connection should hinge on comprehensive strategies that highlight the pivotal role of social connections and the detrimental effects of loneliness and isolation. Such strategies should engage non-profit and private sectors to achieve their goals – thereby maximizing the reach of such efforts. Intensive multi-media campaigns can reach a wide audience quickly, effectively disseminating information and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining social connections. Curriculum development and educational initiatives can be implemented in schools and community centers to teach both young people and adults about the value of building and maintaining healthy relationships.

Furthermore, group or one-on-one interventions can provide personalized support and education, helping individuals understand and overcome the barriers they may face in achieving social connectivity. These interventions are particularly impactful when they involve community and organizational leaders, such as landlords, employers, and business owners, who play important roles in cultivating spaces conducive to social interaction and relationship-building.

Workplace and workforce training programs should also integrate modules on the centrality of social connectivity to health. Such training can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to foster a socially supportive work environment, promoting interpersonal connections as part of everyday professional practices.

By adopting these programmatic solutions to raise awareness and understanding, communities can encourage a shift towards more inclusive and supportive social norms. This comprehensive model not only addresses the immediate needs of individuals feeling isolated but also builds a stronger, more resilient social fabric that recognizes the importance of social wellbeing as integral to overall health.

Additional resources

  • The Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection

    Comprised of national organizations committed to ending loneliness and social isolation. It supports the dissemination of system-wide, national approaches to build social connection.

  • Campaign to End Loneliness

    A UK-based organization focused on reducing loneliness and social isolation. It raises awareness, advocates for systemic changes, and provides resources to help communities, businesses, and healthcare providers create environments where meaningful connections can thrive.

  • Ending Loneliness Together

    An Australian national initiative addressing loneliness through research, advocacy, and community action. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders to develop strategies, provide resources, and foster social connections to create a more compassionate society.

  • Foundation for Social Connection

    Dedicated to combating social isolation by fostering meaningful connections. It collaborates with researchers, policymakers, and community organizations to promote best practices, develop tools, and create environments that support strong, supportive relationships.

  • The Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health

    A network advancing research, policy, and practice to improve social connection and public health in Canada. It brings together stakeholders to promote evidence-based strategies and advocate for policies that enhance wellbeing and social ties.

  • The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness

    A U.S.-based advocacy organization focused on reducing social isolation and loneliness. It unites healthcare providers, community organizations, policymakers, and researchers to promote social inclusion and connectedness through education, resources, and policy changes.

  • The NIH Social Wellness Toolkit

    Offers strategies to improve social wellbeing, including tips on building healthy relationships, effective communication, and finding social support. It emphasizes the importance of social wellness for overall health.

  • Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community

    Outlines strategies to combat social disconnection, including strengthening social infrastructure and fostering a culture of connection, to promote a healthier society.

  • The WHO Commission on Social Connection

    Addresses global concerns of social isolation and loneliness, linking them to severe health impacts. It promotes evidence-based strategies to enhance social connection and reduce loneliness worldwide.

  • Humans Connecting

    A global initiative promoting authentic human connections to combat social isolation. It offers programs, events, and resources that encourage face-to-face interactions and empathy to build stronger, more inclusive communities.