The 2026 #BelongingBarometer launches today. 21m people feel less connected to the UK than before 2020, and 86% say economic pressures make it harder to build connections. Belonging is shaped by the systems that make life feel connected. Read the report: https://ow.ly/lKqw50YvaT7

Deadline extended! Applications are still open for the 2026 Samuel Fellows in Belonging — an 8-month, bursary-supported applied research fellowship advancing belonging and social connectedness. Apply by March 23: https://lnkd.in/ePshPz5v

5 days left to apply for the 2026 Samuel Fellows in Belonging. Join an 8-month applied research fellowship advancing belonging and social connectedness. Apply by March 16: https://belongingforum.org/samuel-fellowship/fellowship-application/

As UK bank branches close, Post Office banking hubs are becoming vital local places for face-to-face banking. A new five-year agreement with Cash Access UK will expand the network to 350 hubs—helping sustain trusted relationships and everyday connection on the high street. https://ow.ly/rVW250YpRlz

What is the Samuel Fellows in Belonging program? An 8-month applied research Fellowship supporting projects that strengthen belonging and social connectedness. Learn more: https://belongingforum.org/samuel-fellowship/

The decline of pubs is more than an economic story. When familiar gathering places disappear, communities lose everyday spaces for conversation, routine and belonging. Could disused churches become new shared hubs for connection in an age of rising loneliness? https://ow.ly/5J3H50YpjYI

Applications are now open for the 2026 Samuel Fellows in Belonging — an 8-month, bursary-supported applied research fellowship advancing belonging and social connectedness. Apply by March 16: https://ow.ly/S3vY50YnZHq

Looking for a bursary-supported applied research Fellowship focused on belonging and social connectedness? Applications for the 2026 Samuel Fellows in Belonging program open soon. Learn more and prepare your application here: https://belongingforum.org/samuel-fellowship/

At the UN in Geneva, we joined global advocates to affirm a simple truth: belonging is foundational to human rights and dignity. As a new global treaty on older persons’ rights takes shape, older people must have a seat at the table. #HumanRights #OlderPersons #UnitedNations

As AI reshapes the future of work and civic life, how do we strengthen shared purpose and participation? In The Globe and Mail, our founder, Kim Samuel, explores whether a civilian “service year” could build skills, contribution, and belonging through community work. https://ow.ly/3aAT50YhAW9

Community “warm spaces” do more than offer shelter — they create welcoming places for connection, dignity, and belonging across age and income. As they grow, they remind us that warmth is not only about heating, but also care, community, and belonging. https://ow.ly/ohI450Yh3Uy

Social connection supports healthy ageing. New research from the University of St Andrews finds social isolation can accelerate cognitive decline, while reducing isolation protects brain health. As populations age, belonging and connection are essential to ageing well. https://ow.ly/yvTe50Yf8kb

A new essay in The Brink explores a “masculinity recession” — the quiet withdrawal of many men from friendship and community. Our #BelongingBarometer finds 1 in 10 men have no close friends, rising for ages 55–64. Belonging is built, not accidental. https://ow.ly/fTtT50YbKxG

In an age of vulnerability, asking for help feels harder than ever. In her latest for Psychology Today, our founder Kim Samuel explores why saying “I’m struggling” isn’t the same as asking “Can you help me?” Belonging depends on reciprocity, not scorekeeping. https://lnkd.in/eq7bh9De

Remote work can weaken everyday social connection when screens fully mediate work. Without informal moments, trust and support are harder to build. But when isolation is recognized and connection is designed for, remote work can still support wellbeing. https://ow.ly/Xh8A50Y07I5

Recent coverage of The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging highlights a key truth: proximity alone doesn’t create connection. Without spaces that invite encounter and belonging, cities can leave people surrounded but lonely. https://ow.ly/Qelz50XXk2m

New research shows young adult “night owls” are more likely to develop problematic relationships with phones and social media—driven less by screen time and more by loneliness and anxiety. Belonging matters. https://ow.ly/aw6l50XW88H

New research suggests Gen Z is quietly rebuilding social fabric—grounded in place, open to faith, and oriented toward community and shared meaning. https://ow.ly/jBoA50XU1Be

Social connection protects more than wellbeing — it protects our brains. New research shows social isolation accelerates cognitive decline in later life, even without loneliness. Connection is a condition for healthy ageing. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-12-social-isolation-brain-life.html

Connection and belonging matter more than ever. This year, Belonging Forum took meaningful steps forward ✨ In her year-end blog, Founder Kim Samuel reflects on our 2025 milestones and the growing movement for belonging. Happy Holidays! ☃️ https://belongingforum.org/2025-year-end-message/

What if TTC platforms were places of connection, not just transit? In the Toronto Star, I shared an idea for “Connection Corners”—small spaces on TTC platforms that reflect our city’s stories and help foster everyday belonging. https://ow.ly/vHs350XNckX

Too often, retirement can lead to isolation, loss of purpose, and reduced well-being. Staying connected and active is key to a fulfilling later life. Read more: https://ow.ly/XZyB50XKpms

Global Symposium: Day 3 Recap ✨ On our final day, we moved from reflection to action, with insights on safe havens, care, and community. Belonging Jams bridged research and lived experience before closing reflections on belonging as a shared practice. #BridgesToBelonging

Martin Luther King Jr. once said “a riot is the language of the unheard.” Today, that language is everywhere—from politics to workplaces. In her latest for Psychology Today, our founder Kim Samuel explores what it really means to feel heard—and why it matters now. https://ow.ly/vmns50XKmi1

✨ Day 2 at the Global Symposium: exploring how to measure and strengthen belonging. From the 4 signals—People, Place, Power, Purpose—to a powerful conversation with Margaret Atwood & Kim Samuel on resilience and storytelling. #BridgesToBelonging

Gen Z is more grounded than stereotypes suggest. LADbible’s Youth Census shows pride in hometowns, spirituality, and community—blending digital mobility with local belonging. Read more: https://ow.ly/VzRi50XFIg8

“We care for us.” — Cyndi Gilbert In The Conversation Piece, Cyndi shares how The Bike Brigade turns volunteerism into solidarity—neighbours supporting neighbours to build resilient communities. 🎧 Listen now: https://ow.ly/9VKx50XyTLo

Psychology Today explores the “Goodnight, Bro” trend—small rituals with big impact. This simple sign-off is helping young men open up, reduce stress, and build healthier friendships. Read more: https://ow.ly/a9wi50XA3t4

“The nonprofit sector runs on purpose, but it cannot run on empty.” — Vinod Rajasekaran In The Conversation Piece, Vinod shares why reimagining volunteerism starts with care and wellbeing for all. Listen now: https://ow.ly/nkiT50XyTJl

What does it mean to truly belong to a city? The London Festival of Architecture 2026 explores this question through its theme of Belonging—inviting us to design not just for beauty or function, but for community, memory, and inclusion. https://ow.ly/oglE50Xqcb0

How do we foster belonging across generations? Join us Dec 2 at 7 p.m. ET for The Walrus Talks at Home: Aging and Belonging. Explore what it means to age—and thrive—in a world that often overlooks older adults. Register: https://ow.ly/8BWA50Xx02S

What’s the role of small talk in building belonging? The question may seem trivial, even offbeat. Yet two researchers offer a fresh perspective about the power of playful small talk in fostering connection, bonding, and belonging. https://ow.ly/J7KP50Xqbmo

In the early pandemic, we clapped & sang to strangers, sending the simplest message: I’m right here with you. These acts gave way to division. In her latest for Psychology Today, our founder Kim Samuel talks about how we can reclaim solidarity & rebuild belonging. https://ow.ly/ic3I50Xqb6T

✨ Global Symposium: Day 1 Recap The day opened with reflection and creativity—from keynote insights to music, dialogue, and shared mapping of barriers to belonging. Hope, courage, and connection set the tone for what’s ahead. 🔗 ow.ly/Xt6u50XnZvm #BridgesToBelonging

"People are ready to rebuild in their communities—we just have to open the door to opportunity." — Kasandra James Kasandra challenges narrow ideas of volunteerism and celebrates diverse, culturally rooted care. 🎧 Listen: https://ow.ly/4jwM50Xqyy6

Two Harvard students share how fostering civility & connection transformed their newsroom. By setting clear norms for respectful debate & building trust, they found that genuine relationships strengthen belonging—and better dialogue follows. https://ow.ly/6AZf50Xq9Nm

✨ Global Symposium: Opening Reception An Indigenous welcome, remarks from Kim Samuel, and reflections on belonging from Sharon Avery set the tone for the days ahead—connection rooted in presence, care, and listening. Read more: ow.ly/MXco50XnZvp #BridgestoBelonging

Faith can bring us together in quiet but powerful ways. In her article for @express.co.uk, our Founder and Chief Architect, Kim Samuel, reflects on how Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury can nurture connection and hope. www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2118...

How do the places where we gather shape the way we connect? Join us online November 4 for The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging, to hear experts explore how the spaces we create strengthen community and connection. Register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-walrus...

“They need to be there for their community.” — Suman Roy For newcomers, volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s about belonging. 🎧 Listen here: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/s...

Our 2025 Global Symposium brought together voices from around the world to explore how we make belonging real. We shared our Charter for Belonging, announced the Belonging Press, and celebrated connection to people, place, power & purpose. https://ow.ly/jKOj50XhPbQ

This autumn, we become the Belonging Forum. A unified global identity, a platform for research & dialogue, and a movement to make belonging a right, not a privilege. We look forward to partnering with you in the work ahead! Learn more: belongingforum.org/a-new-chapte...

At @sconnectedness.bsky.social presents The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging, four experts share their unique perspectives on how the spaces we invest in can strengthen our social fabric. www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-walru...

Equitable access to nature-based play helps build resilience, social bonds & belonging, even in cities with little green space. 2022 Fellow Laura explored how urban planners can integrate play into everyday spaces to support community well-being. ow.ly/s69050WUSPr

“Volunteering has huge benefits for those that do it, for community, and the wider social fabric.” — Sara Lyons In this episode, Sara explores how to reimagine volunteerism as a more inclusive, resilient, and connected force for community. Listen: ow.ly/T2w350WUS05

What do we seek when we reach out for connection? As Paul Bloom notes, it’s to be “humanely understood.” Empathy means caring enough to truly see another’s emotions. That felt care, given and received, is at the heart of belonging. ow.ly/H96s50WHALc

During COVID-19, many queer youth found belonging through online communities. As a 2022 Social Connectedness Fellow, Ashli Au explored innovative ways these spaces support 2SLGBTQ+ youth in partnership with McGill. ow.ly/BHFi50WMbV8

Immigration raises deep questions of belonging. As Adrienne Clarkson writes: “Immigrants cannot remain they. They will be, and are becoming, us.” Building belonging means moving from mistrust to a new language of trust and respect. cbc.ca/radio/ideas/...

“Belonging goes beyond a social need. It’s rooted in a profound connection to the land & water.” — Chief Kluane Adamek. In The Conversation Piece, Chief Kluane shares how a deep relationship with nature grounds us. Especially in times of disconnection. podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...

Seoul has opened “mind convenience stores,” community hubs where residents facing loneliness can share meals, watch films, or simply be together. Even small, everyday interactions can spark comfort, connection, and belonging. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...