Building positive social connections can help to make you happier and mentally healthy.

We’ve created a dedicated chat space where you can relax by the lake and chat to friends, family, neighbours or visitors to the area. If you’re sitting in this space, it means you’re happy to talk, so don’t be surprised if someone you don’t know comes up to start a conversation.

Or if you see someone sitting there alone, why not have a seat and get to know some of your neighbours.

Try these conversation starters:

• What made you smile today?
• Do you know of any good restaurants around this area?
• Have you ever been to this park before?
• What country were you born in?
• Have you been on any interesting trips lately?
• Do you have any pets? Are you a cat or a dog person?
• What’s your favourite sport?
• What sport do you wish you were really good at?
• What hobby do you wish you had more time for?
• What’s been your best holiday?
• If you didn’t have the job you have now, what would you be?
• Do you listen to any podcasts?
• What do you think is the best show on Netflix right now?
• What’s your favourite book of all time?
• What’s the last concert you went to?
• What’s the last movie you saw?
• If you could travel back in time, what decade would you choose to live in?