For All Ages Hosting Free Event Series on Social Health

For All Ages is hosting the ‘Simsbury Social Connections Project’, a three-part interactive event series at the Simsbury Public Library for residents and groups interested in learning about the detrimental health impacts of loneliness and the vital importance of social health and how to design an event that fosters social connection.

On Saturday, March 23 (2-3:30 pm) and Thursday, April 18 (6-7:30 pm), attendees will learn the difference between loneliness and isolation, how loneliness impacts different populations, how social connection improves our mental and physical health, and the actionable steps we can take to improve social health. At the final event on Saturday, May 11 (3-4:30 pm), community groups and residents will collaborate to design events that foster social connection with guidance from For All Ages.

In May 2023, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a public health crisis. More than 60% of us are reporting feeling lonely on a regular basis with the loneliest group being young adults ages 18-22. Loneliness is a root cause of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, gun violence, heart disease, dementia, and suicide. Via this community impact program, For All Ages aims to inspire, actively engage, and collaborate with multiple local community groups and residents to improve social health in town.

For All Ages invites local organizations to become a ‘Social Connections’ partner by committing to send a team of 3 or more people to the three sessions and to create a program or event to reduce loneliness/improve social connectedness to take place later in 2024. Partnering community groups will be shown on the For All Ages’ Simsbury Connections webpage and should have their team members sign up by March 20 at forallages.org/simsbury-connections. Groups with questions can contact Deb at deb.bibbins@forallages.org.

Simsbury residents do not need to be connected with a community group to attend. Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend one, two, or all three events. Residents interested in attending these events should sign up at forallages.org/simsbury-connections.