Nextdoor has partnered with leading researchers on a first-of-its-kind global study looking into how small acts of kindness can reduce loneliness in neighborhoods over a four-week period.
Participants were asked to perform (COVID-19 safe) acts of kindness such as:
Have regular contact with a neighbor
Show care and concern for a neighbor
Help a neighbor
Provide advice or helpful information to a neighbor
Contribute to a larger neighborhood effort, action, or activity
Other
Knowing as few as six neighbors reduces the likelihood of feeling lonely and is linked to lowering depression, social anxiety, and financial concerns related to COVID-19.
Even the smallest actions, such as saying hello to a neighbor, increased neighborhood unity.
Performing small acts of kindness for neighbors reduces the likelihood of feeling lonely and socially isolated.
What can you do to combat loneliness in your communities? Here are some simple, actionable tips from mental health experts and advocates:
Whitney Goodman, LMFT
Silvy Khoukasian, Relationship Coach
Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT
Adrian Michael Green, Educator
Join Nextdoor and connect with neighbors to share your ideas. The possibilities nearby are endless...
Neighbors around the world remind us that having a neighborhood to rely on is important. Connect with 6 neighbors today and start feeling the benefit now. Don't believe us? Check out these stories from neighbors like you
Shreya and Saffron - Boston, Massachusetts
Throughout the pandemic, 18-year-old Shreya Patel and her 16-year-old sister, Saffron, realized that many senior citizens may be feeling alone during this time of isolation. They wanted to help, so they began sending handwritten letters to seniors in assisted living facilities and care homes. That’s when they started Letters Against Isolation to match volunteers with seniors in elderly care facilities across the country. The group recruited over 600 volunteers on Nextdoor and in just 5 months Letters Against Isolation has sent 50,000 letters to seniors in the US and Canada!
Shannon - Sydney, Australia
Shannon moved to Sydney recently with her husband. With no family or friends in the area she found herself struggling with loneliness. Meanwhile, Shannon was also going through IVF. She later joined Nextdoor and organized a ladies lunch at The Mean Fiddler Pub in Rouse Hill. 15 women of all ages showed up to meet her. Since then, she has formed deep friendships through Nextdoor, including her best friend who lives around the corner. She found a group of women in her neighborhood to rely on who have been able to give her moral support during her journey with IVF.
Abraham - Alexandria, Virginia
When Abraham moved to a new neighborhood, he did not feel connected to his community and found it difficult to form deep bonds with neighbors. He knew Nextdoor would be an easy way to meet local folks in the area, so he posted a message asking if any men in his community would be interested in meeting up. Abraham was able to form a men’s club to combat loneliness and social isolation. He then started 30 Coffees in 30 Days with 30 Neighbors. The challenge is simple - have a coffee each day with one of his Nextdoor neighbors.
Has your neighbor done an act of kindness for you lately? Tell us about it here.
Dr. Lim is a leading expert from Australia who specializes in the impact of loneliness on mental health.
Prof. Holt-Lunstad is a leading expert from the United States who specializes in social isolation and the influence of social relationships on long-term health.
Prof. Qualter is a leading expert from the United Kingdom who specializes in child and adolescent loneliness.
Read a note from Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar:
Loneliness is a public health issue that deeply affects our mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please know there are resources available to support you. Here are just a few:
Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.
Call: 800-971-0016, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
An international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depressive, obsessive compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research.
Visit: www.adaa.org
Connect2Affect is an AARP Foundation platform that provides information, resources and strategies to help increase social connection.
Visit connect2affect.org
Offers free, confidential, and anonymous mental health screenings at mhascreening.org. Free public education materials and additional resources are available at mhanationa.org.
Blue Star Families is the nation's largest community-based organization supporting military-connected families. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities through innovative solutions.
Visit: bluestarfam.org
Brighten A Day is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to lift the spirits of those who are in need of some cheer by sending them love, hope, and joy through cards and packages.
Currently links more than 245,000 Americans to service opportunities. The program has 3 components: Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and Retired and Senior Volunteers (RSVP).
Visit: https://americorps.gov/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
LGBT elders can call when they need peer counseling, information and local resources. Call 888-234-SAGE. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight Eastern Time and on Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Prefer to use email? Reach out at SAGE@GLBThotline.org.
Visit: www.sageusa.org
Sign the Please Stay Pledge created by Born This Way Foundation and Find Your Anchor.
Visit https://pleasestay.us for more information and resources.
The world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1- 866-488-7386.
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Available in English and Spanish.
Call 1-800-273-8255.