Despite the documented importance of social connections and relationships to our wellbeing, the UK ranks amongst the lowest in Europe when it comes to developing and maintaining these connections.
‘the amount and quality of social connections with people around us are an essential part of our wellbeing’
The Office for National Statistics
The breakdown of positive relationships is more evident in communities and individuals where feelings of hopelessness, lack of confidence and low aspirations are widespread. These negative and isolating feelings often in turn lead to vulnerability, substance misuse, exploitation, unplanned pregnancy and mental ill health.
Choices Aberdeen is passionate about promoting and supporting positive relationships in young people and vulnerable adults. We have developed and researched engaging, quality and relevant resources which empower our service users to develop and maintain successful relationships along with essential life skills in decision making, assessing risk, positive assertiveness and media literacy.
‘young people rate personal relationships as being most important to their wellbeing’
Princes Trust Research (2010)