Our need for social connection is at the heart of what it is to be human. It is essential to our health and well-being, the vitality of our communities and has inspired many of the most successful innovations of the modern day. With evermore efficient ways to communicate, many of us have experienced a rapid increase in the number and reach of our connections. And yet, despite these growing networks, we find ourselves increasingly disconnected and many more of us are feeling alone.

Edited by Alex Smith, Founder of the Cares Family and supported by Nesta, the stories in this collection paint a rich and varied picture of the many faces of loneliness and what it means to feel disconnected from those around us. But the stories also give us much to be hopeful about. Written by some of the pioneers helping people and communities connect across the UK, these stories show us how powerful it can be to share time with others - whether it’s a friendly chat in the park or an opportunity to build a deeper friendship over time.

There is no one single solution to finding the connection we all need, so we all need to play our part - as governments, businesses and services, friends, neighbours and fellow citizens too. We hope that these stories will help to inspire people to act. Whether to join or create a local group or simply find more opportunities for conversation as we go about our days, we all have an opportunity to bring connection back into our communities and into our disconnected lives.