Social connection is essential for our health and wellbeing. If we want to stay in good physical and mental health for longer, we need to engage with things, places, people and the world around us.

Anyone, anywhere, can be lonely or socially isolated. Social isolation and loneliness have serious, and still underrecognised impacts on our health and lifespan.

People lacking social connection face a higher risk of early death. Social isolation and loneliness are also linked to anxiety, depression, suicide, and dementia and can increase risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Social isolation and loneliness do not just harm individuals; they also have a negative impact on entire communities and societies.

There is a lot of evidence that physical activity has many benefits to people's physical, mental and social health and wellbeing. Physical activity is a great intervention to connect people in their local community and to reduce isolation. Therefore, any of the resources in the physical activity section of this toolkit can be used to improve social connections.

Within this section you will find public leaflets and resources and local support services that can provide information and or support that will help you to stay socially connected.