Mental distress as a result of social isolation and lack of social support has been shown to increase the likelihood of heart disease, complications in pregnancy and delivery, and suicide.

Poor social relationships and a lack of community participation are seen to be as big a risk for health as cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and lack of physical activity.

There is a growing evidence base to suggest that community participation on various levels is a key element to an individual’s sense of wellbeing and to the state of the health of the community generally.

Well-connected communities with strong social networks are more likely to benefit from lower crime figures, better health, higher educational achievement and better economic growth.