Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being. Studies show that time spent with friends is associated with a higher average level of positive feelings and a lower average level of negative feelings than time spent in other ways.
Social support network
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. Across the OECD, 91% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need. There is little difference between men and women, as 92% of women believe they have this kind of social support, compared with 90% for men.
In general, there are more people who have completed tertiary education that report having someone to count on for help in times of need than people who have attained below upper secondary education.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Social isolation may follow family breakdown, the loss of a job, illness or financial difficulties. Once socially isolated, individuals may face greater difficulties not only reintegrating society as a contributing member, but also fulfilling personal aspirations with respect to work, family and friends.
Note: data for the indicator "Perceived social network support" is provided by the Gallup World Poll.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Latvia, 92% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, slightly higher than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In South Africa, 89% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, below the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being. A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Australia, 93% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%. A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Services for vulnerable families
Over the last decade, the Australian government has made specific funds available to improve collaboration between service providers, community members, NGOs, businesses and all levels of government in the delivery of services to vulnerable families. The Family Support Programme was established to increase the provision of early intervention, prevention and targeted support for vulnerable families. This followed a previous programme that aimed to facilitate and encourage collaboration at all levels to enable communities to tackle their own issues at a local level. These funds aim to help co-ordinate efforts across community services, education, health and other sectors.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being. A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Austria, 92% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, slightly more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Better Policies for Better Lives
Language services helping minorities
Language can serve as an important barrier to migrants in need of basic services. Legal and administrative requirements and language can be particularly challenging, even for those that speak the receiving country’s language, in part because social networks often help ensure the diffusion of such knowledge.
Foreign nationals and refugees in need of interpretation services in Innsbruck, Austria can rely on “video remote interpreting” at public service offices. The project provides interpreting services in 14 languages, including: Turkish, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Russian, Arabic, Polish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Czech, Slovakian, Hungarian, Slovenia and sign language. This service helps reduce reliance on families and friends to act as interpreters and increases the quality and reliability of interactions since the interpreters are professionals. In Innsbruck, these interpreters may be of use to foreign nationals which amount to 21.8% of the local population and help another 28% of people from migration backgrounds. Within 120 seconds of a request, a pool of 750 staff can be reached to provide interpretation services via video conferencing.
First piloted in 2015, this interpretation service has resulted in an increase in the number of processed requests and applications. It also resulted in a reduction in the number of errors and misunderstandings related language barriers in dealing with public legal and administrative issues.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being. A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Belgium, 90% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, slightly less than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being. A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Brazil, 83% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, lower than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Teaching youth about community life
ProJovem Adolescente complements the social assistance provided to families, by better preparing young people for family and community life, and creating the necessary conditions for their (re-) insertion and their persistence in the educational system. It is aimed primarily at 15-17 year-olds coming from families in receipt of Bolsa Família policy, which provides educational support (although it also benefits young people in care).
Participation in the programme is not conditioned on a return to school. However, because the eligibility criteria are linked to Bolsa Família, families of 16-17 year-olds will be in receipt of a cash transfer which is conditional on their children’s school enrolment. Young people are put in groups of 15-30 individuals and participate in 12.5 hours of structured activities per week for a period of two years. These activities, which are organised around normal school hours, are built around six cross-cutting themes: human rights and social welfare, work, culture, the environment, health and sports, and leisure.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Canada, 93% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being. A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Chile, 88% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, less than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being. A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In the Czechia, 96% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, higher than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Denmark, 95% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Estonia, 95% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, above the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Finland, 96% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Libraries as a community hub
The city of Vantaa has reversed a decline in library use and re-established the community impact of libraries. The City Library introduced new services to reconcile the needs of existing users while engaging youth and young adults. Changes include more efficient self-service systems and new personalised community and youth spaces.
City-wide visits have since increased by 14% and loans by 3.6%. Community members are also spending more time in the libraries, using it as a place of leisure and meeting. The Tikkurila neighbourhood library alone increased visits by 16% and the customers spend 300% more time in the library. Hanukila library reduced staff costs by 20% and in other locations staff costs dropped by 10%.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In France, 94% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Germany, 90% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, broadly in line with the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Helping migrant families integrate into their community
Through childcare facilities the FAMILIENwerkSTADTproject helps improve the lives of families with a migrant background and integrate them into the community. The childcare facilities taking part in the project fulfil the following requirements: (1) 50% of the children they look after come from families with a migrant background, and some even up to 92% and; (2) those families and children were excluded from society and daily lives.
The project aims to improves the quality of education and care for children, advancement of educational equality for children with a migrant background and from socially disadvantaged families, stronger participation of families in the daily routine of the child care facilities, building-up of parental competencies, development of an integrated approach in working with families and development of a neighbourhood network to support families.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Greece, 78% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, among the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average is 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Hungary, 94% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Iceland, 98% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, the highest rate in the OECD, where the average is 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Ireland, 96% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, higher than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Israel, 95% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, above the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Working for younger people
The“JLM i-team”, or Jerusalem i-team, is a senior consulting group that was set up in 2015 to steamline and improve programmes and services targeted at treating and rehabilitating roughly 30 000 young people living with addiction, homelessness, and serious psychological and intellectual disorders.
A first pilot was established in the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem where many at-risk youths were known to squat. The focus was to move from outreach and identification to concrete action. The pilot programme began to address initial challenges in creating a comprehensive strategy for helping young people at risk of exclusion, based on greater deliberation and using the relative advantages of public bodies and experienced NGOs. The focus was on results instead of input, while taking a human-centered approach and using data and facts to support decisions. The resulting success of this model has already been replicated in two other areas in the city, ensuring the expansion of services available to young people in need of a support system.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Italy, 89% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, lower than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Volunteering to preserve city sites
Florence, known for its artistic heritage and UNESCO special status, is preserved by some 1 800 dedicated volunteers. The Angels of Hope initiative organises volunteers to help reduce the degradation of the historic environment and strengthen civic feelings of ownership of the historical sites in the city. Volunteers maintain public spaces, buildings and green spaces by removing graffiti, reducing litter and preventing degradation.
Evaluations found that 21 kilometres of road and 45 930 square metres of wall space have been covered by volunteer activities. On average, a single volunteer takes care of 17 roads and invests 165 hours a month. "Before and after" comparisons show considerable improvements and residents report positively on the impact on their neighbourhoods. Volunteers have also brought new ideas. For instance, by simplifying municipal regulations to improve urban spaces and introducing a EUR 75 fine for writing graffiti in non-authorised spaces.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Japan, 89% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, lower than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Korea, 80% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, lower than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Involving the community in neighbourhood regeneration
The Neighbourhood Regeneration Plan, a new approach to urban regeneration in Korea, addresses socio-economic issues often noted in declining cities (including population decrease, unemployment, sluggish local businesses, poor education, poverty, security and social exclusion) with the participation of the local community. It involves the community at all stages including the design, implementation and monitoring of regeneration projects to avoid the large-scale physical redevelopment of the past and to improve the quality of community life and the environment.
The cities of Jeonju and Changwon were selected for the initial and testing phase of the regeneration projects. The districts identified by the cities as decaying communities included 952 households and 1 313 retail stores in Jeonju; and 1 105 households and 829 retail shops in Changwon. The cities have prioritised the education of residents to build capacity for regeneration, and revitalisation of retail businesses, as well as sustainable environmental improvements. Preliminary results from the projects have elicited positive reactions from residents and strong commitment from local government.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Luxembourg, 91% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, in line with the OECD average.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Mexico, 77% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, among the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average is 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In the Netherlands, 94% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, higher than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In New Zealand, 95% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Norway, 96% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Poland, 94% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Portugal, 87% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need, lower than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In the Russian Federation, 89% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, lower than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In the Slovak Republic, 95% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, above the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Slovenia, 95% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Spain, 93% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Sweden, 94% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need, above the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Switzerland, 94% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Türkiye, 85% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, less than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In the United Kingdom, 93% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Creating an online community for parents
Parent Know How is an award-wining project that helps parents become more involved in bringing up their children. It provides advice and an opportunity to take part in social networks through a range of digital services such as: online messaging for relationship support; an online space to help fathers keep in touch with their kids; social networking and counselling through Second Life and a virtual parenting magazine; and an interactive parent resource network for younger parents. The technology behind Parent Know How was created with the input of young parents and all these services are available via mobile. Support is particularly targeted towards young fathers.
Over 1 million parents have been involved so far and the cost per user interaction has been reduced significantly when compared to traditional services. This space has also relieved some pressure on traditional services, ensuring that time is better allocated to those parents most in need of particular services.
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In the United States, 94% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Innovative housing solutions to foster intergenerational solidarity
Housing policies can encourage communal forms of living such as shared housing, or multi-generational housing. This in turn, can foster family interaction and intergenerational solidarity in the community.
MEDcottage is an innovative modular housing solution that enables older people to stay in the community or near family members. The cottage can be placed temporarily on the property of home-owners, connected to its electricity and water supply, and is equipped with the latest monitoring and ICT technologies. For example, sensors can detect falls and alert caregivers. This solution can facilitate family care and is intended to be an affordable alternative to care homes.
The state of Virginia has passed a bill to allow families to place mobile-care units on their property without requiring special permission. Encouraging this kind of private arrangement can take pressure off public care systems and nursing homes. It also matches the preference of many elderly people to age in their own homes or stay close to family without moving into their homes.
Building sustainable communities
The Partnership for Sustainable Communities co-ordinates investment from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency in housing, transport and other infrastructure. Through improved collaboration the Partnership helps communities improve access to housing and transportation while protecting the environment.
The Partnership for Sustainable Communities developed the Smart Location Database and the Sustainable Communities Census HotReport to determine how well a community is performing on a variety of sustainability indicators. The Sustainable Communities Indicator Catalog was launched in 2015 to demonstrate relationships between land use, housing, transportation, health and the environment. These tools for data and analysis are available to anyone, allowing people to see how their community compares. To learn more: www.sustainablecommunities.gov/mission/about-us.