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  4. Friendship and mental health

Relationships: the missing piece of the wellbeing puzzle

Our animation explores relationships as the forgotten foundation of mental health and wellbeing.

Read : Relationships: the missing piece of the wellbeing puzzle

Relationships and community: statistics

Relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives. People who are more socially connected to family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected. 

Read : Relationships and community: statistics

Friendships and mental health

In the Let's Talk: Mental Health podcast Jennie Walker gets together with real people and experts to chat about mental health.

Read : Friendships and mental health

What are the health benefits of altruism?

There is some evidence to suggest that when you help others, it can promote physiological changes in the brain linked with happiness.

Read : What are the health benefits of altruism?

The value in making connections with new people

There is an incredible value in making connections with people that we may not typically surround ourselves with.

Read : The value in making connections with new people

Top tips on building connections at university

Izzy, student at LSC, asked students for their top tips on building meaningful connections at university, and here is what they had to say.

Read : Top tips on building connections at university

"Sharing our stories is so important. It sends a message to others that they're not alone."

20th Nov 2025 / Families, children and young people

When Ben lost his mum in 2021, he was determined to honour her memory and make her proud. With the help of his friends and family, he found a way through the most difficult of times.

Read : "Sharing our stories is so important. It sends a message to others that they're not alone."

Guide to investing in your relationships

This guide outlines what we can do to create better relationships with ourselves, with the people we are close to and with those around us.

Read : Guide to investing in your relationships

Peer support

Different types of peer support, what peer support can help with and how to find peer support.

Read : Peer support

Relationships in the 21st century: the forgotten foundation of mental health and well-being

This report explores relationships across the life course, why they matter and the importance of being part of a community.

Read : Relationships in the 21st century: the forgotten foundation of mental health and well-being

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