Connections with other people and good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. Now more than ever it is vital that we stay connected. Many people are isolated, have had to change work patterns, and are restricted from doing the things they love and seeing the people they love.

Connecting with other people can:

• help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth.
• give you an opportunity to share positive experiences.
• provide emotional support and allow you to support others.

We have had to find new ways of communicating with our loved ones without being allowed to see them. We’ve done quizzes, virtual pub crawls and catch ups. 

Using technology isn't the same but it can be a great tool to stay connected.

Below we’ve put together some tips on how to stay connected

What can you do to increase your connection?

• If possible, take time each day to be with your family, for example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together even if this is virtually. Virtually may not be the same but you can still share an experience and a connection.
• Try switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends, or family.
• Check-in with friends or family, they may not know it but they may need your support or company and you may need theirs.
• Make the most of technology to stay in touch with friends and family. Video-chat apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime are useful, especially if you live far apart or are isolated. We've added guides below to help you connect virtually.
• Search and download online community apps.
• Send a letter - We don't often use pen or paper anymore. Writing a letter to someone is personal and a great way to show how you care. As a side note - expressing gratitude is a proven way to make you feel happier!*. Tell someone you're grateful for them
• If you need to talk to somebody, RLSS UK members have access to a confidential helpline via DAS. Log on to tahdah and check your member benefits for more detail.
• If you know of a young person that isn’t coping? Our partner, Papyrus provides a confidential suicide prevention advice line - HOPELINK – 0800 068 4141

However you connect - it will help you and others around you to stay strong and supported

Guidance for catching up via Video

Having regular, scheduled contact with loved ones or friends gives us structure, something to look forward to and means we’re able to still speak to each other and share our highs and lows. Using video is important as well so we can still see each other and feel more present with that person. Zoom and Google Meet are both free and easy to use. You can access them on a computer or your phone.

Check out these guides on how to use Zoom and Google Meet;

Zoom - https://biz30.timedoctor.com/how-to-use-zoom/

Google meet - https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-use-google-meet-on-pc?r=US&IR=T

Thanks to Ellen Lapworth-Maisey for your support with writing content

* Sourced from Psychology Today