Connecting with the people around us can increase our feelings of happiness.

Good relationships with friends and family provide love, meaning, support and increase our feelings of self worth. Connections within the wider community can bring a sense of belonging.

By nature we are social creatures and our relationships with other people matter to us.

Strong relationships with friends and family provide us with the opportunity to share positive experiences, and can give us emotional support as well as the chance to support others.

5 ways to help you build stronger and closer relationships:

Speak to someone new today.

Make time each day to spend with your family or close friends.

Arrange a day out with friends you have not seen for a while.

Have lunch with a colleague.

Visit a friend or family member who needs support or company.