The Cares Family, one of the UK’s leading social connection charities, has released a new report outlining 10 techniques to build meaningful connection between individuals from different generations and backgrounds.
The report, entitled ‘Building Connection: Exploring What Works’, draws on the expertise of prominent UK civic innovators such as Ivo Gormley, founder and CEO of Good Gym, and Ruth Ibegbuna, founder of the RECLAIM Project and The Roots Programme. It highlights the importance of ‘Authenticity’ and ‘Reciprocity’ as key principles to drive social connection, as well as the need for inspiring self-expression and proactively seeking out disconnection in the community.
The publication of the report comes at a crucial time, as the US Surgeon General recently released an Advisory highlighting the benefits improved social connection can bring in reducing the risk of developing heart disease, anxiety, dementia and diabetes. In the UK, 31% of people feel lonelier than before the COVID-19 pandemic, and only 45% of younger people feel as though they belong in their neighbourhood.
Sam Dalton, Head of Policy and Campaigns at The Cares Family, commented: “Right now, it’s essential that we bring people together. After 12 years of learning what works when it comes to meaningful social connection, we’re delighted to share key techniques and approaches through this report. We hope it will help policymakers understand the skills, focus, intention and investment needed to build connection in our communities. The UK’s crisis of social disconnection is a personal crisis, a public health crisis, and a political crisis – it cannot be ignored. Connection really does matter.”
Kim Leadbeater, MP for Batley and Spen, added: “The US surgeon general’s Advisory last month confirms what many have been saying for a long time. In the UK, social disconnection is having a major effect on the physical, mental and social health of individuals and communities. There is a great need to look at how we can promote meaningful social connection. Reports like this by The Cares Family demonstrate that we have the knowledge, expertise and experience in communities to bring us together, support each other, bridge divides and find common ground.”
Jon Yates, founder of the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme and author of ‘Fractured’, concluded: “Deep divides exist across age, race and class in the UK, something which the pandemic has brought to light. The work of The Cares Family and other community-based initiatives to bring people together across these divides shows that we can be more united. Building social connection is vital for everyone who wants to see a healthier, safer and more prosperous society.”
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