Connection, Belonging & Mental Health
In-person (London) · Online (Worldwide)
Loneliness isn’t always easy to recognise. It can sit behind low mood, anxiety, declining confidence or changes in someone’s behaviour.
As people rarely talk openly about feeling lonely, it can easily go unnoticed, despite around one in four adults in Great Britain experiencing loneliness at least some of the time (ONS, 2026).
Understanding the relationship between connection, belonging and mental health can help Mental Health First Aiders navigate a major driver of poor mental health.
Why connection and belonging matter
Connection and belonging are fundamental to positive mental health. They strengthen our sense of self-worth, provide emotional and psychological support, help us feel safe and give us people to turn to when life becomes difficult.
At work, they also support psychological safety, trust, collaboration and engagement. Yet loneliness is often overlooked in workplace wellbeing conversations, despite its potential impact on mental health, job satisfaction, performance and absence.
About the workshop
This interactive workshop helps participants recognise loneliness and disconnection, understand why they matter and feel more confident having supportive conversations that make a difference.
Who it’s for: Mental Health First Aider Networks, Wellbeing Networks, HR and Wellbeing teams.
Formats available:
Delivered online or in person, depending on the format and your organisation’s needs.
What participants will gain
What’s covered
Your facilitator
Delivered by Esther Thomas, a workplace wellbeing trainer with specialist expertise in connection, belonging and mental health.
Interested in this training?
To find out more or discuss training for your organisation, please get in touch.
