Title:
Community Connectedness Across the Life Course: Exploring the Role of Meaningful Relationships
Authors:
Andrea Wigfield, Stephen Green, Jan Gurung, Laura Makey, Florence Gaughan, Faith Ogala, Emily Abbott, Charlotte Miller.
Summary:
The recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report ‘From Loneliness to Social Connection: charting the path to healthier societies’ emphasises the importance of social connection for both individuals and for societies. The report suggests that social connections and relationships are fundamental to connected communities, stating that:
‘when we build relationships and nurture trust, we build stronger, more resilient societies. Make no mistake – connection is not just a nice idea. It is fundamental. It strengthens communities, fosters cooperation and creates opportunities. Without connection, we will not succeed in solving the problems facing us today – whether they are public health, economic growth or social stability.’ (WHO, 2025a, pp. v)
This adds confirmation to what we have known for some time, that one indicator of the degree of community connectedness in any given locality is the existence of meaningful relationships among and between community members, and with their surrounding environment.
Cite this Report:
Wigfield, A., Green, S. Gaughan, F., Ogala, F., Gurung, J., Makey, L., Abbott, E., Miller, C. (2026). Community Connectedness Across the Life Course: Exploring the Role of Meaningful Relationships. The Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness. https://doi.org/10.7190/c4.2026.9212761010
Cover Image Credit:
Jack Allen via Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-walking-on-the-street-10329863/
