Social relationships

Spending time with other people

When it comes to wellbeing, other people matter. Good relationships – with our family, friends and the wider community – are important for our wellbeing.

While it appears that COVID-19 is going to be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future, we need to learn to live with it and manage the risk to ourselves and others. While no situation is risk free, there are actions we can take to protect ourselves and others around us, see the guidance on the UK Government website. If you are worried about returning to a more ‘normal’ life, there is information on the Every Mind Matters website on how to cope with anxiety about getting "back to normal".

Spending time and connecting with people is important, as our relationships affect both our physical health and mental wellbeing.

Although meeting up with our friends may be more limited, there are ways in which we can build stronger and closer relationships, for example:

Make time each day to spend with the people around you.
Arrange a day out with friends you have not seen for a while.
Speak to someone new today.
Have lunch with a colleague.
Connect with old friends, by phone, email or social media, or phone a friend or family member who needs support or company.
Stay in touch with your colleagues or organise a group chat with friends.

If you’re not sure where to start, contact your local Wellbeing team for more ideas on wellbeing activities in your local area.

The Silver Line helpline is a dedicated telephone service aimed primarily at tackling loneliness in older people. It is a confidential 24 hour freephone service offering advice, information and friendship. The number is 0800 470 8090.

Be active

Physical activity is important for maintaining your physical and mental wellbeing, as well as for boosting your immunity.

The lifting of restrictions has allowed for more physical activity to take place. A team sport or activity such as football, tennis, bowls or walking, can help you stay healthy and be part of a group. There are plenty of team sports and activities available near to where you live and work.

If you are not able to get out, being physically active in your home or garden will also be good for your health. Get up and walk around regularly, make a cuppa, do some light housework, or do some gardening if you have a garden. There are also lots of options for online exercise which you can do in your living room, see the websites below:

Visit our Being active page or contact your local Wellbeing team for more information about how to stay active.