What do we mean by 'social connections' and 'social networks'?

Humans are naturally social creatures and have a fundamental need to connect with others. Social connection is a state of feeling close (or “connected”) to another person or other people.  It can be defined as

“Feeling a part of something larger than yourself, feeling close to another person or group, feeling welcomed, and understood.”[1]

The people that we connect with and have a relationship with are our social network. Our social networks can comprise of friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, or people we are acquainted with both online and offline.

A lack of meaningful social connections can lead to social isolation and loneliness. The words “social isolation” and “loneliness” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

• Social isolation is defined as ‘an objective state determined by the quantity of social relationships and contacts between individuals, across groups and communities.’
• Loneliness can be defined as ‘a subjective state, based on a person’s emotional perception of the number and/or quality of social connections they need compared to what is currently being experienced’.

Therefore, people can be isolated, with a small social network, and yet not feel lonely; and people can feel lonely and yet be surrounded by people.

We know that loneliness can affect anyone, teenagers, young adults, new parents, carers, the recently bereaved, students starting university, older people and those with disabilities, those new to or moving to a new area of the country.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2020-2030)

Acknowledging how important social connections are, the Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Board made
social isolation and loneliness one of its priorities as part of our Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2020-2030). The aim of this priority, is to ‘reduce social isolation and loneliness, and enable local people to take an active role in building and nurturing strong social networks and vibrant communities.

To achieve this, a strengths-based approach has been adopted that focuses on opportunities to create, improve, and bolster community and individual connectedness. It is recognised that there is significant community-based activity in Gloucestershire, bringing people together, with many notable examples showcased throughout this report. The Board will continue to engage with people and communities to understand how what already exists can be best utilised, invested in, and/or championed to decrease social isolation and loneliness.

You can read more about this strategy here (PDF, 1.2 MB)