Our community

Two men on bicycles, pedaling along a scenic route, highlighting an active lifestyle and friendship.

What does community mean to you? Friends, family, co-workers, teammates — the people we see, talk to, and rely on every day. These social connections do more than just bring us joy — they play a powerful role in our health and wellbeing.

To truly thrive, we need more than just people around us. We need neighbourhoods that are safe and accessible. Places where we can meet up, find help when we need it, or simply pick up what we need to get through the day. From things like the local corner shop, bakers or supermarkets to doctor’s surgeries, pharmacies, libraries and community centres.

We need communities that are built with connection in mind

That means local spaces that bring people together like sport facilities, libraries or the theatre; affordable, reliable public transport; and safe walking and cycling routes.

Because without these, our communities begin to fray. We become isolated and over time, loneliness can lead to serious physical and mental health challenges, like depression or cognitive decline. Put simply, people who have fewer social connections don’t live as long as those with stronger, more sociable lives.

People are more likely to feel isolated if you live in a disadvantaged area, where opportunities to connect with others are limited by issues like poor transport, unemployment, low income, or ill health.

4x

People who don’t feel a sense of belonging in their neighbourhood are 4 times more likely to experience poor mental health.

Source: The Health Foundation

Earlier death

People with fewer social relationships die earlier, on average, than those with more social relationships.

Source: People’s Health Trust

20%

of people in households with the lowest incomes often feel lonely, compared to 9% of people in households with the highest incomes.

Source: The Health Foundation

Dalanya, London

Listen to her story

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Dalanya is a community health practitioner in East London.

So many services have gone away because of lack of funding. And over the years we’ve been really oppressed. They took out a hell of a lot of money from services for vulnerable people.

Shaping healthier places to live and connect

And it’s not just about connections — it’s also about the environments we live in. We don’t want high streets packed with fast-food outlets, tobacco and betting shops. We want inviting, vibrant spaces where we can come together, feel supported, and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Campaigns

Our health = our community. That’s why, alongside our members and supporters, we’re working to raise awareness of this essential building block of health and wellbeing.