Social connection is a major driver of health and wellbeing.

Even if individuals are not aware of the extent to which social connection shapes their health and wellbeing, most of us intuitively know that our relationships are important to how we think and feel. Yet, many of us fail to get the social connections we need. This is because we have limited time and energy; we feel social anxiety and stress; and our culture tends to prioritize social interactions near the bottom of our busy to-do lists.

For these reasons, we've set out to develop public health guidelines for social connection that can help raise awareness of the importance of social connection and help each other prioritize it in our lives and communities.

Learn more about our efforts below!

Learn more

Group of friends at a pub

Our mission

Our mission is to promote the vital role of social connection in enhancing individual and community well-being. By advocating for the adoption of evidence-based public health guidelines, we aim to empower individuals and communities to prioritize meaningful relationships, fostering happiness and cohesion in the face of modern challenges.

Raise Awareness
Increase understanding of the critical impact of social connection on health and well-being across diverse communities.
Promote Adoption of Guidelines
Encourage individuals, organizations, and policymakers to implement our 12 public health guidelines to foster social connection.
Enhance Community Engagement
Facilitate community-driven initiatives that create opportunities for social interactions and strengthen local bonds.
Integrate Lived Experience and Evidence
Incorporate the insights and perspectives of individuals who have faced social isolation to ensure our guidelines resonate with real-world needs, while also adhering to the best evidence available.
Collaborate with Stakeholders
Partner with institutions, organizations, and researchers to enhance the effectiveness and reach of our guidelines.
Evaluate Impact and Effectiveness
Continuously assess the outcomes of implemented guidelines to refine and improve strategies for fostering social connection.

Our process

Our guideline development process is rooted in collaboration, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, community members, and public health experts. By integrating evidence from research with the lived experiences of individuals, we ensure that our guidelines are both practical and relevant.

Through inclusive discussions and workshops, we identify the most effective strategies for promoting social connection, creating a framework that is purpose-driven and tailored to the unique needs of different communities. This strategic effort enables us to build comprehensive guidelines that foster meaningful relationships and enhance overall well-being.

Funding is secured

After a year of collaboration with GenWell, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) funded our collaboration to develop recommended public health guidelines for social connection.

Evidence review begins

We begin gathering and assessing the empirical evidence that will inform the development of guidelines.

Expert engagement begins

Global experts on social connection and health are convened for a consensus-building study to identify potential guidelines.

Public consultation begins

Public consultations on social connection guidelines begin through surveys and focus group interviews with key populations.

Learn more about how the guidelines were created

Our team

Our team is built on a unique academic-community partnership, with GenWell and the Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health serving as the backbone of our network of collaborators. This partnership has paved the way for the creation of our public health guidelines for social connection. Comprising passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds in research, public health, and community building, our contributors bring a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to the development process. Together, we work collaboratively to ensure our recommendations are not only impactful but also grounded in the realities of everyday life. Meet the dedicated people behind our mission!

  • Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health
  • Genwell
  • Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection
  • Simon Fraser University
  • Wilfrid Laurier University
  • University of Vermont
  • University of Victoria
  • University of British Columbia
  • Carleton University
  • Montana State University
  • Public Health Agency of Canada
  • University of Toronto
  • Black North Initiative
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research
  • Healthy Places by Design
  • The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  • MOSAIC
  • Community-based Research Centre
  • Social Health Lab
  • Monalisa
  • Recreational Respite
Meet the full team of experts who contributed to the guideline development process

Contact us

Whether you have questions about our guidelines, suggestions for improvement, or would like to explore collaboration opportunities, we’re here to listen. Our team is eager to share more about our initiatives and work together to foster a supportive community that prioritizes well-being and connection.

Please feel free to reach out using the contact information below.

8888 University Drive

Burnaby, BC

V5A 1S6

kcard@sfu.ca