Making connections

Creating new connections

Connecting with others, or starting a conversation with someone you don't know well can be a challenge. Learn how to make it easier.

Your network

Watch this short film and do the activity from it. You may be surprised at how many people you are connected with, when you start thinking about the local community and social media.

'Who can you turn to?' transcript

Contacting and connecting with organisations 

Sometimes you need to contact organisations like:

• the council, to give some information or ask for something
• your doctor's surgery, to make an appointment
• customer services, to complain.

Even booking a haircut or calling the British Red Cross may feel challenging, when you don't know who will answer. Thinking of it like making a new connection, and being prepared, can make it easier. Steps to follow:

1. Make a list of people and resources you have that can help.
2. Gather the information you will need and have it next to you – letters, facts, phone numbers.
3. Plan what you are going to say: you could even write it down. This will help your confidence.
4. Stay calm. Be factual and polite. This helps you stay in control.
5. Make a note of what you said, and what was said to you.

Connections and resilience

Resilience is how well you can cope with challenges, including having little money, support or company. Finding new ways of connecting with others can help.

More resources you might find useful

The British Red Cross has created a range of resources for building confidence and connecting with others. You can find out more about the project or click the links below to get started.

Make connections

• Make and share more connections
• Pass on your knowledge and skills
• The kind place
• Dealing well with changing relationships
  

Build coping skills

• Coping with stress
• Using Circles of control
• Making the most of your resources
• Coping with anxiety
• Your wellbeing and resilience toolkit