Resources

Check out the list below for more resources to connect with others or to learn about social isolation, loneliness and the importance of social connectedness.

Crisis numbers and resources:

  • For confidential crisis support in Minnesota, text “MN” to 741741

  • For confidential crisis support in Wisconsin, text “Hopeline” to 741741

  • Call 988 for free and confidential support through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

NAMI Minnesota Crisis Resources

Loneliness and social isolation deeply affect our mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and in need of immediate assistance these resources can help.

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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. The Lifeline also provides prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

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Resources for connecting with others:

Tips from Hello4Health

Hello4Health has information and tips in our Activities and Skill-Building sections. Here are two resources with high-level considerations to think through when seeking to connect with others.

How to build social connections

Lifelong activities & engagement groups

VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch, an online database, allows individuals or groups to search for volunteer opportunities in their community based on interests, date and geographical location.

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Local Libraries

Local libraries host events such as book clubs, crafting sessions, gaming sessions, educational activities and more.

The Minnesota Department of Education website can help you find your local library and search events in your area.

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Minnesota Great Outdoors

Local parks often provide events, clubs and other programming to local communities. Examples include education, nature programming, sports leagues, movie nights, and open gym time.

Minnesota Great Outdoors is a resource to search for trails and parks in Minnesota so you can one near you.

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Friends & Co Coffee Talk

Friends & Co has served older adults in Minnesota for over 50 years. Coffee Talk is a drop-in phone line that instantly connects callers with caring volunteers for friendly, free and confidential one-to-one conversations.

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Hello4Health Tips for Connecting Online

Hello4Health has information and tips in our Activities and Skill-Building sections. Here are three resources to help you connect with others online:

How to video chat

Virtual book club

Gratitude texting groups

Create the Good – Virtual Volunteering

Create the Good by AARP is an online database of volunteer opportunities that allows you to search for remote or virtual opportunities such as writing to a pen pal, mentoring, and skill-sharing. Create the Good also hosts periodic volunteer events such as card-making.

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Hello4Health Tips for Low-Tech Connecting

Hello4Health has information and tips in our Activities and Skill-Building sections for connecting across distance without using the internet. Here are three resources:

Low tech ways to stay in touch

Make a connection capsule

Connecting with a Pen Pal

Older adults and caregiver resources:

Senior LinkAge Line

Senior LinkAge Line provides free help to older adults in Minnesota who may need support remaining in or returning to their home. Seniors or caregivers can learn more online or call 800-333-2433. 

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Lutheran Social Services Companion Services

Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota provides a wide variety of resources and supports, including companion services for older adults. Trained volunteers offer friendship, support at home and transportation to community activities.

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Lifelong Activities & Engagement

Lifelong learning helps keep us connected to the world, discover new passions, and maintain physical and mental health. Click the button below for Hello4Health’s tips on where to start.

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Local Companionship Resources

There are many local resources to help older adults find companionship closer to home. Click the button below to learn more.

Local Resources pdf

Staying Connected with a Loved One with Memory Loss

Memory-related illnesses like dementia are often challenging for the patient, as well as their friends, family and caregivers. Click the button below for Hello4Health’s tips on supporting someone with memory loss.  

Tips

Senior Linkage Line

Senior LinkAge Line can help MN caregivers find phone information and referral to supports such as caregiver skills classes, individual caregiver consulting, and emergency respite care. Seniors or caregivers can learn more online or call 800-333-2433. 

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tips for caregivers

Lutheran Social Services

Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota provides a wide variety of resources and supports, including resources for caregivers such as caregiver coaching and counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and more.

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Local Resources for Caregivers

In addition to statewide resources, there may be supports for caregivers closer to home. Click the button below to learn more.

Local Resources pdf

Allina Health resources:

Health Powered Kids

Health Powered Kids is a free health and wellness program offered by Allina Health. Consider using these activities to help teach the youth in your life about nutrition, physical fitness, hygiene and mind-body balance.

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Change to Chill

Change to Chill is a free, award-winning, mental well-being resource offered by Allina Health. Consider using these resources to help the teens in your life become more aware of the things that stress them out and equip them with relevant tools and resources to better manage stress and anxiety.

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Healthy Set Go

The Healthy Set Go blog provides wellness and prevention information and tips across a variety of topics from the experts at Allina Health.

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Penny George Institute for Health and Healing

Penny George Institute for Health and Healing supports your well-being by focusing on your whole being.

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