How Social Wellness Builds Community Well-Being and Improves Client Outcomes

What Is Social Wellness, and Why Is It Important?

Social wellness is centered around cultivating healthy relationships and overall well-being in a community–and nonprofits can provide valuable services to support social wellness initiatives. Being socially involved helps people overcome feelings of isolation, which is a predictor of premature death and illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy relationships also help improve self-esteem, promote a positive self-image, and can inspire new healthy self-care habits.

Investing in social wellness programs positively impacts nonprofits and the communities they serve. Fostering healthy relationships supports the broader community by improving connectedness, livability, justice, and equity. The better connected we are to each other, the stronger the systems underlying society become.

When we care about ourselves, our workplace, and our community, everyone benefits.

How Nonprofits Can Level Up Social Wellness Initiatives

Nonprofits play a critical role in supporting the social fabric of a community. They support the most vulnerable populations by providing vital services. In addition, most nonprofits have initiatives in place to address gaps in equality and opportunity to maximize human potential.

Examples of Nonprofit Social Wellness Programs

Social wellness programs bring people together in a positive way. Nonprofits can get creative and align an event or initiative with their organization’s core values and mission, or simply host a fun event that people will enjoy.

1. Workshops. From stress reduction and self-care to practical skill-building workshops. Nonprofits can partner with local experts to help their community gain practical social wellness skills while meeting new people.
2. Connection-Building Cultural Activities. Nonprofits can host a variety of client- or community-focused events to share positive ideas and as an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships. Healthy cooking, music, art programming, recreation therapy – the options are endless.
3. Fitness Programs. Walking groups, scavenger hunts, guided hikes, park clean-ups, yoga and meditation classes, and fitness challenges are all great examples of simple, cost-friendly initiatives that support healthy habits.
4. Hobby Groups. From reading to gardening and craft clubs, nonprofits can engage with their community by formalizing hobby groups that help their clients improve social wellness.
5. Relationship Therapy. Positive relationships are essential to cultivating a healthy, fulfilling life. Nonprofits can provide services that help their clients reframe their relationships and surround themselves with trusting people who support them. Some nonprofits offer training sessions to help clients analyze their social network, set healthy boundaries, and strengthen positive relationships.
6. Client Appreciation. Nonprofit staff who let clients know that they are valued have an enormous impact on the client’s social wellness and sense of self. Taking time to notice a client’s strengths and talents also helps reinforce positive, healthy behaviors.