How to stay connected

There are all sorts of friendships. When we spend time with people, it doesn't have to be one-on-one, in-person, or all about sitting still and talking.

To stay connected, you could:

• Take up a hobby with someone.
• Message people online, like in a group or club based around a shared interest or experience.
• Talk on the phone or via an app.
• Go for a walk, play sports, go on a ride or do some other physical activity with a group of people.
• Date.
• Join a spiritual or religious community, like a church, temple or mosque.
• Do a class like yoga, meditation, or dance.
• Get creative, taking an acting class or joining a group who paint outside.
• Learn a musical instrument or play your instrument with others.
• Join a community group, like a community garden or birdwatchers.
• Start a habit that puts you in contact with people. For example:
  • Swim at the same time and place every week.
  • Take your dog for a walk, walking the same way every time.
  • Go to the same café at the same time every day.
  • Do another regular activity that you enjoy.

Tips to find connection if you often feel lonely

If you've felt isolated or alone for a long time, it can be scary and hard to reach out to other people.

Here are some ideas you can try:

• ‍Set yourself a small goal, like sending a friendly text message or making a plan to do something fun with one person once a week.‍
• Be proactive. Contact people yourself rather than waiting for them to contact you.‍
• Be friendly to people you see regularly but don't know well, like a cashier at a grocery store or someone who works in a library or café near your house. You don't have to have a deep and meaningful conversation. Just smile, say hi, and ask, "How are you?" Many people are happy to have friendly chats with strangers. It's a great way to reduce loneliness – perhaps for them as well as you!‍

• Try to say yes when invited to join a social activity, even if it's something new. You might enjoy it more than you expect. However, don't feel like you have to do things you know you don't like. It's good to be yourself. That way, people get to know the real you.‍
• Ask about existing groups you could join. It could be a group that does a hobby you enjoy. Or, it could be about a disability you have, your gender or sexual identity, or some other shared interest.‍
• Treat others how you'd like to be treated. For example, send birthday cards or good luck text messages if you'd like to get those things yourself. People will often respond in kind. Even if you don't get a reply straight away, there may be benefits later.‍
• Make time for family and old friends. Enjoy the relationships you do have. People who are grateful often find it easier to get on with others.‍
• Make connecting with other people a habit, something you do regularly. Like any skill, making friends gets easier with practice.
• If you like animals, get a pet. Pets make great friends. They are loving and accept us just as we are. Plus, pets can be a conversation starter. For example, if you take a dog for a walk, people will often stop to say hello.