We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community. Dorothy DayBeing
Being part of a community can have a positive effect on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Community involvement provides a sense of belonging and social connectedness. It can offer extra meaning and purpose to everyday life.
Communities can exist or be created from a shared location, hobbies, lived experiences and backgrounds, or a common cause. For many people, communicating with others, through online forums, social media, or in person, can help them feel connected, however, for an even healthier mindset it is best to participate in person at gatherings, meetings, events etc. 
Many adults are not involved in any social or community groups and suffer from isolation and often a sense of decreased self-worth. Having people to talk to and depend on, and making new connections through hobbies or a social group can help reduce the risk of mental illness.
Hold a Hand,
Touch a Heart
There are many activities that can help increase your sense of belonging. Learning a language or martial art, volunteering, or joining a dancing group are a few options. As a first step, you can find out what meetups are taking place in your local centres, and take it forward from there.
Feeling valued and comfortable socially can prevent and reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression and more, so reach out into your community, hold a hand and touch hearts.
