Q‘I’m 61 and have just moved from London to Scotland to start a new life. The scenery is breathtaking but my social life… less so. I’ve always been “the nice one” – helpful, upbeat, unfailingly polite

THAT FEELING OF BEING ON THE OUTSIDE, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE WITH EVERYONE? YOU’RE NOT IMAGINING IT – AND IT CAN CHANGE. HERE’S HOW TO GET THE FEELING OF CONNECTION BACK

One in five older people in the UK admits to feelings of loneliness – and this only intensifies at Christmas. What is causing this crisis and how can we combat the sense of isolation?

LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

A lot of people associate socialising with drinking, but embracing sobriety or wanting to reduce your alcohol intake doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fun

SOCIALISING HAS EVOLVED BEYOND THE PUB AND, IN ITS PLACE, THERE’S A THIRST FOR SOMETHING NEW, ROOTED IN A DESIRE FOR COMMUNITY THAT’S STRONGER THAN EVER. HATTIE CRISELL SIGNS UP TO THE MOVEMENT