1. Social Connectedness
The relationship between social connectedness, resilience and wellbeing
Stacey Rontiris
Senior Programme Manager
Tomorrow Trust
Counselling Psychologist

2. Overview What is resilience? What is social connectedness?
How do you build resilience?
What is social connectedness?
Why is it important?
What does the research say?
How can we build social connectedness?
What do we do at Tomorrow Trust?

3. What is resilience?
“Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress – such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors” (American Psychological Association)

4. How do you build resilience?
There are many factors that can help build resilience including:
Having a positive self-image and high self-esteem
Being able to regulate emotions and feelings in a healthy way
Having really good communication skills
The ability to solve problems easily
BUT research shows that the most important foundation to building resilience, is having caring and supportive relationships both within and outside the family

5. What is social connectedness?
Degree to which a person has and perceives a sufficient number and diversity of relationships that allow them to give and receive:
Emotional support
Information
Material Aid
Sense of belonging and value
Foster growth
These relationships can be:
The family we belong to
The friends we confide in
The community we live in
The cultural traditions and history we belong to (groups)

6. Why is it important? Central to human evolution:
In earlier times society functioned as one large group
Survival of the group depended upon social cohesion to hunt, fight etc.
This link still remains ingrained in humans today
Identified as one of the core domains of health and wellbeing
Relationships give people support, happiness, contentment and a sense they belong and have a role to play in society
Joining together to achieve shared goals which benefit each other and society as a whole
Support networks for people when in need
Facilitates access to opportunities, services and resources

7. What does the research say?
Social connectedness can lead to a longer life
Less likely to develop depression, anxiety etc.
Less likely to commit suicide
Play a role in reducing cognitive decline E.g. Alzeihmers, Dementia etc.
Reduces stress
Increased levels of happiness
“We are happy when we have family, we are happy when we have friends and almost all other things we think make us happy are actually just ways of getting more family and friends” – Daniel Gilbert, Happiness expert at Harvard
EVEN: increased levels in economic growth, reduced poverty etc. in countries

8. How do we build social connectedness?
Encourage caring and trusting relationships between students, staff etc. and assist with the building of the relationships through:
Workshops
Networking events
Activities
Prize Giving & Award Ceremonies
Equip students with behaviours that promote social acceptance including conflict resolution skills, diversity training etc.
Create safe spaces where students can express themselves without judgement and connect with other students

9. Volunteering Interest Groups Social Media
Encourage students to volunteer with causes they are passionate about
Create volunteering opportunities for students
Facilitate a space where students with similar passions can meet and engage on topics they are passionate about
Interest Groups
Social Media
Create a safe space where students can discuss and explore difficult topics
Develop groups for students to join with others they may have similar interests with
Create online groups for students at the same institution, studying a similar degree etc.
Use Instagram, Twitter, Facebook to give students an online sense of belonging
Especially useful for students who struggle in social situations

10. Volunteering Programmes:
Including the family:
-Parent Tea
-Graduation Part
Workshop Topics:
-Gratitude
-Conflict Resolution
Open door policy:
-Interviewing staff
-Sweet jar
Volunteering Programmes:
-Tutoring
-Little Wings
Car conversations
Events:
-Walk the Talk
-Tough Mudder

11. Thank you