As children we are encouraged to socialise and make new friends. At the time we simply enjoy meeting new people and exploring the world together. It’s not until later in life that we realise just how important those relationships were to us.
Longitudinal research on child development clearly demonstrates that one of the single greatest indicators for how a child may develop in relation to happiness and social/emotional development, career success, academically is whether or not they developed security with at least one person that had their back no matter what (Siegel & Bryson, 2021).
You know that auntie that you turned to when things went pear shaped and you couldn’t bring yourself to tell mam or dad? Or what about the lady in the local shop that took time each day to check in with you, to see how you were doing on your way to school? Maybe it
was the bus driver that always had a smile and handed out lollipops on the last day of school. What ever it was, something someone did made you feel special.
At the time these moments may not have seemed like much, but the truth is they were worth their weight in gold. You felt like you mattered. The truth is that we all need somewhere to turn, somewhere to feel seen and heard. A place without distractions – a safe space. This space is often not physical but an emotional space. Having relationships like these creates a history of relational wealth.
By this I mean you were rich in connectedness. As adults we still need someone to turn to. We need an empathetic listening ear. When we strip away all the material aspects of life, we are left with just the
nuts and bolts.
Relationships and connectedness.
Mental Health Hour 
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