Connect
Building good friendships with people you trust is important for feeling happy. Talking to people around us helps us remember that we matter and are loved.
Simple things like getting to know your neighbours, maybe inviting them over for a cup of tea and a chat, can make you feel better and more confident. Making friends with others can help us feel like we belong and stop us from feeling lonely.
You could also reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while to let them know you’re thinking of them. It could make both of you feel happy. You might even try joining a local walking group, social group, or volunteer group.
Being social can mean different things to different people. Some might enjoy being part of a big group, meeting lots of new people, while others might prefer connecting in a quieter way, like talking on the phone, online, or even through letters. There are many ways to connect with others, so find what feels right for you and go for it!
Getting started
There are many ways to connect in Staffordshire. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Staffordshire Connects is an online tool to find community support groups, organisations, and services near you. Search for “Befriending and companionship” to find opportunities in your area.
- Check out Places of Welcome, a network of local community groups where everyone feels safe to connect, belong, and contribute. There are many groups throughout the county. Visit Locations to find a group near you.
Get connecting
Whether you have plenty of free time on your hands or just a few minutes to spare here and there, there are always things that you can do to feel more connected to others.
Take a look at the suggestions below for a few different ideas, depending on how much time you have free.
If you have five minutes:
- Send a message or a voice note to a friend or family member to let them know you’re thinking of them.
- If you are on social media, maybe comment on a post or photo. A kind comment or question can spark a new interaction.
- Sign up to Nextdoor. It can be a useful way to find out what’s going on in your local community – a great way to connect with others!
If you have about half an hour:
- Join an online group or forum. Look for communities around your interests—books, gardening, pets, anything you enjoy.
- Visit a local café or library. Being around others, even without talking can help you to feel more connected.
If you have a little longer:
- Get in touch with some friends you’ve not seen for a while and arrange a day out. There are so many great places to visit in Staffordshire. Take a look at Visit Staffordshire for some ideas for days out in your area.
- Attend a local event or group. Try a class, a meetup, or a local community activity.
- Pop in to see a neighbour or maybe invite one over for a cup of tea and a chat. It might be just what they need too!
Disclaimer
We’ve shared some ideas you might find useful, including websites, resources and apps. These are suggestions only and not officially linked to Staffordshire County Council.