CONNECT Read & learn

The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project. The aim is to get as many people as possible across the whole of the UK to have lunch with their neighbours annually in June in a simple act of community, friendship and fun. Since starting in 2009, thousands of Big Lunches have taken place in all types of communities.

Recent trends show that people increasingly value material goods over relationships—but neuroscience and evolution say this goes against our nature.

Here, Dacher Keltner elaborates on the cutting-edge research into the ways everyday forms of touch can bring us emotional balance and better health.

Network, network, network. Adults in the business world certainly know how important it is to stay connected to their colleagues and peers if they are to have successful careers, but did you know that the number and strength of our social connections are also very important for happiness?

There is real biological power in the simple act of a hug. It can melt away the stress from a day. It can lend itself to repairing emotional wounds.

With our more mobile and diverse lives street parties are a great way to meet your neighbours and build community spirit. Join our national campaign to make street parties a regular part of life.

We all know that it feels good to feel connected to other people—indeed, research has even linked social connections to happiness, health, and a longer life. But a recent study suggests that our feelings of connection don’t just make us feel good; they also make us do good.

New studies attest to the benefits of giving—not just for the recipients but for the givers’ health and happiness, and for the strength of entire communities.