This article from Northwestern Medicine says, “A positive relationship can be shared between any two people who support, encourage and help each other practically as well as emotionally.”

Healthy relationships with people with similar interests or experiences to you is a huge benefit to your health, and provides connections that you can lean into when things are tough.

There are a number of community calendars with links to activities, support groups regionally. Here are a few: Sun Journal Events Calendar, Maine Public Community Calendar, News Center Maine’s Things To Do Calendar. Consider connecting with people who share your interests.

Peer Recovery Centers (like the HILLS Recovery Center in Norway,  Larry Labonte Recovery Center in Rumford and the Lakes Region Recovery Center in Bridgton) often offer a variety of programs and resources for people recovering from substance use disorders. These can include support groups, art classes, yoga lessons, social gatherings, and more.

Additional peer support groups and programs for behavioral health include National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine Chapter groups and Maine Behavioral Health’s peer support program.

River Valley Healthy Community Coalition hosts monthly senior lunches that provide a good meal AND a good time for older adults in the River Valley area.

SeniorsPlus offers regular classes that are a great way for older adults to connect. They also have a drop-in center in Norway.

The Table is an organization based in Norway that has open-invite outdoor adventures for their Healthy Outdoors Group. Their Facebook page is the best way to check out what the group is up to and find a way to join in on an outing. They also offer free community breakfasts, clothing giveaways, and more.

Here are a few regional groups providing social support and connection to the LGBTQ+ community of Western Maine: OUTMaine, Equality Maine, MaineTrans.Net