Making time for your mates
Sometimes the best thing for our heads and our hearts is a proper catch up with pals. Which is why we’re encouraging all of us to take a mate on a date. We’ve also included some advice on finding new friendships as well as tips for those who find it difficult to connect with others.
"Life sometimes gets in the way of keeping us connected, but a phone catch up, a cuppa, or inviting someone along to something, can make a big difference."
Dr Lucy Maddox, clinical psychologist
10 low cost ways to date your mate
Make it official. Pencil in a monthly "date night" with your best pal.
Bring the restaraunt to their house and cook them their favourite meal.
Why not make it a challenge? Give each other a brief of three words. Then let each other plan something truly unique!
Schedule in that catch up zoom call you never have time for.
Date your mate from your sofa with a Friday night TV watchalong.
Walk and talk in a park near you. Throw in a picnic if the weather lets you!
Host a cookalong over zoom before enjoying a virtual dinner date.
Indulge your best pal by arriving at their door with their favourite tipple or treat.
Take turns hosting "surprise" date nights where the only rule is secrecy!
Commit to trying something new together - a new walk, a new cafe, a new activity.
Supporting a friend with their mental health?
Click here for advice and supportFinding new connections
Our top 8 places for making new connections
Click here
"Being a mum and alone in society is the worst loneliness. So just having somebody there, it was like a little village to check up on you and remind you that you matter and take care of yourself."
Saima, who used Mind's Mum's Matter to connect with others
For any help and and support visit SAMH
Find it hard to connect with others?
Click here for tips from Dr Lucy Maddox, a Clinical Psycologist.
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