The Answers to All Your Questions
Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions we hear:
What is the Genwell Project?
GenWell is Canada's Human Connection Movement dedicated to making the world a happier and healthier place since 2016.
We exist to address the issues of disconnection, isolation, and loneliness, which have been on the rise over the last 50+ years in our society.
We achieve these goals by educating, empowering, and catalyzing Canadians around the importance of face-to-face social connection as a proactive step we can all take to build better social health which increases our happiness, longevity, and our personal and collective well-being.
Learn more about the 9 campaigns we run throughout the year.
What campaigns does GenWell run throughout the year?
We run 9 campaigns throughout the year to foster deeper connections:
1. Red January: Kickstart the year with activities that promote physical well-being and connection with others. Visit redjanuary to sign up
2. Face-to-Face February: Originally created by the students at Centennial College, F2F February has become a GenWell staple. Join in daily challenges on social media, along with post-secondary students, that promote in-person interactions to strengthen your social bonds and improve your social, physical, and mental health.
3. Global Day of Digital Detox: Unplug to reconnect with those around you.
4. GenWell Weekends (Spring & Fall): GenWell Weekends, held twice a year, serve as a powerful reminder, excuse, permission and opportunity for Canadians to foster healthy social habits and connections, at a time when research suggests that people may struggle to build or maintain their social connections
5. Loneliness Awareness Week: Highlight the impact of loneliness and ways to combat it.
6. Human Connection Conference: Our interdisciplinary conference welcomes researchers, policy makers, healthcare providers, businesses, and community members to share the latest evidence and solutions on how we can work together to rebuild a more connected Canada.
7. Talk to a Stranger Week: During this week, we encourage people to get out of their comfort zone and make a more conscious effort to connect with those around them. Based on the research that suggests talking to strangers as a way to increase happiness, feel a greater sense of belonging, build trust, and create safer communities.
8. Canadian Social Connection Survey: Research and guidelines development to foster connection.
9. Programming for Different Demographics: Tailored initiatives for workplaces, schools, communities, and seniors.
What types of programming does Genwell run?
- Workplace Programming: Enhance team cohesion and well-being with our workplace initiatives. Learn more.
- School Programming via HeadsUP: Empower students with skills for building healthy social connections. Discover HeadsUP.
- Community Programming: Strengthen community ties through local events and projects. Get involved.
- Programming for Older Adults/Seniors: Tailored activities to keep our seniors connected and engaged. Explore programs.
How can I get involved?
You can get involved by volunteering, becoming a partner, or participating in our campaigns. Learn more on our Volunteer and Become a Partner pages
How can I support Genwell's mission?
Support our mission by signing up for our newsletter, volunteering for our initiatives, or making a donation here.
Is there any way I can support Genwell's research?
Contribute to our research by taking part in our survey in June. Your input is invaluable in shaping guidelines that promote healthier social connections across Canada. Take the survey.
What are the health benefits of spending time with others?
Engaging in social interactions and forming meaningful relationships can significantly enhance your well-being. Key benefits include:
- Mental and Physical Well-being: Social connections contribute to overall health and happiness.
- Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Interacting with others is a powerful way to prevent depression.
- Increased Happiness and Self-esteem: Quality social time boosts your mood and confidence.
- Empathy and Compassion: Building relationships fosters understanding and care for others.
- Disease Recovery and Immune System: Social bonds can aid in recovery and strengthen immunity.
- Longevity: Socially active individuals have a 50% higher chance of living longer.
What are the negative health impacts of isolation and loneliness?
Isolation and loneliness can have severe health consequences, including:
- Mental Health Risks: Elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and suicide risk.
- Cardiovascular Risks: A 29% increase in heart attack or angina risk and a 32% increase in stroke risk.
- Dementia Risk: Social isolation is linked to a 50% increased risk of dementia.
- Premature Death: Isolation significantly raises the risk of early death from all causes, comparable to the risks of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
- Early Onset Mortality: Isolation can increase the risk of early death by up to 50%.
How can I combat isolation and contribute to a healthier, happier world?
What happens with information I provide to Genwell?
Your privacy is paramount to us. Any information you share with GenWell is securely stored and treated with the utmost confidentiality. We do not sell your information or grant third-party access. Instead, your data is used for research purposes to aid in our mission of fostering social connections. This research helps us develop effective solutions for building social bonds and allows us to measure the impact of our programs, ensuring we're making a real difference in combating social isolation and loneliness.