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Viking Academy Trust

Viking Academy Trust

Viking Academy Trust

A member of the
' Viking Academy Trust '

PILLAR 2: SOCIAL WELLBEING SUPPORT

It turns out that people who are more socially connected to family, to friends, to community, are happier.  They're physically healthier, and they live longer than people who are less well connected - Robert J Waldinger

We, as humans, have an innate need to be part of a group of people.  We generally feel more secure when we are with a group of people who have a collective sharing of values and beliefs. Positive relationships are a key component to living a life of positive wellbeing and resilience.

Sadly, 1 in 4 adults feel alone at some point of their lives.  Connecting with others is an intrinsic need we have.  Often, we can attribute loneliness to something felt by the over 75s but following on from the BBC Radio 4 Loneliness Experience, it was found that they were least likely to feel alone.

Source: BBC

 

There are key moments when we are likely to experience loneliness are:

  • During Bereavement
  • Moving away from home
  • Being a carer
  • Becoming a new parent
  • Starting a new job

Isolating yourself is one of the first things we do when our wellbeing is poor.  If you notice that you are starting to cancelling pre-planned events and withdrawing from your social groups, then question why this is.  Is it because you are tired or is it because your mental health is starting to diminish. 

If you notice that your social wellbeing is poor, take steps to do the following:

  1. Keep in regular contact with your friends
  2. Engage in community work such as volunteering
  3. Join a group exercise class, exercise is a wonderful mood booster but doing it alongside others is great.
  4. Joining a special interest group

Lean in and reach out is our motto here at the Viking Academy Trust.  You are never far from someone who cares so if you are experiencing difficulties please reach out to our HR team, Lisa Blatchford and Leonie Roke so we can lean in and support you.

Helpful signposts where you can find out more:

 

 

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