Summers is the season of beach days, backyard BBQs, and spending evenings in the park with family or friends. For many, summer is a time to be more social and develop connections with others. Having a positive relationships with others is a protective factor for our mental health and wellbeing.
In this month’s Resource Round-Up, we’ve compiled some of the latest resources on social connections – what they are, how they help our well-being, and how to develop them. Check out these resources below.
Social Connection Guidelines
Developed through a partnership with experts, GenWell and the Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health, these guidelines for social connection help to raise awareness of the importance of social connection. The two sets of guidelines – one for individuals, and another for communities – provide easy to understand information for supporting and promoting social connections.
Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health
Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health
The Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health is a “inter-institutional, community-academic alliance of researchers and practitioners committed to addressing loneliness and social isolation”. Their work is centered on three pillars: convening, collaborating and capacity building; research and evaluation; and knowledge mobilization for policy and practice.
They have an abundance of research reports and evidence briefs which can be used to further important conversations within communities and organizations.
The Samuel Centre for Social Connections
Home – Samuel Centre For Social Connectedness — Samuel Centre For Social Connectedness
The Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness “works with global partners to build social connectedness within and between communities to overcome social isolation.”
Their Hopes, Homes, and Havens work focuses on the voices and experiences of refugee claimants and people seeking asylum.
World Health Organization Commission on Social Connection
WHO Commission on Social Connection
The WHO Commission on Social Connection, convened from 2024 to 2026, aims to see the issue of social isolation recognized and resourced as a global public health priority.
The Commission provides a variety of resources including social media infographics, advocacy briefs, and its flagship report.
Seven Guidelines for Healthy Social Connections
Seven Guidelines for Healthy Social Connection
This short article from Greater Good Magazine provides seven practical guidelines for individuals looking to gain and maintain healthy social connections with others.