Loneliness has become an increasingly prevalent issue of our time. Despite the proliferation of social media platforms and video calling apps designed to keep us connected, many people find themselves feeling more isolated than ever.
This paradox highlights the urgent need for meaningful human connections, and for event organisers, it presents a unique opportunity to offer support networks and spaces where individuals can actively participate in self-care and self-improvement.
According to Eventbrite’s TRNDS 2024 report, 65% of event attendees are seeking transformational experiences that positively contribute to their wellbeing, health and longevity. So, to mark Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re spotlighting Eventbrite organisers creating events that foster genuine connections.
Arc
Arc — an arts and mental health charity based in Stockport, UK — has been encouraging people to use creativity as a tool for wellbeing since its inception in 1995.
Recognising that many people abandon creative activities after leaving school, the charity aims to reignite this passion in a welcoming and non-judgemental space where participants can build connections — as well as a physical piece of art to take home with them.
The Arc organises a variety of events accessible via Eventbrite, including workshops in ceramics, linocut, needle felting and watercolours, led by local professional artists. The revenue from these public events then support the charity’s free wellbeing sessions.
“People get told to ‘just get out more’ as a way of combating loneliness when that can make the person feel more alienated and alone,” explain CEO Jacqui Wood and Operations Manager Harriet Wilson. “Culturally there’s a big emphasis on socialising at a pub or bar but this doesn’t suit everyone and isn’t the healthiest solution. During one of our workshops the person is building connections with the other people in the class through learning together.
“The most common feedback we get about our centre is how welcoming it is. People feel like they belong here.”
That is seen in the fact the team see people “continually returning to the centre”, with many exploring “other workshops that they wouldn’t have had the confidence to try before”, while they also report that 71% of their public programme participants said their wellbeing had improved during the workshops.
“Feeling connected, part of something, having a space which feels safe and supportive — all these things are key to helping people to feel well, and things which we enable at our centre,” the team add.
615 Soul Line Dancers
615 Soul Line Dancers President Earin Rose and his wife Ke’Anna’s love of soul line dancing was cemented into their relationship after they met at a local dancing event in 2018. A year later, they began organising their own events and fundraisers, and now do so under the 615 Soul umbrella as volunteer instructors.
The group’s mission is to “encourage physical activity through the art of soul line dancing while promoting heart health, mental wellness, and fellowship” in the Metro Nashville area, and their free classes are popular with “all ages, stages, and demographics”.
“The people who flock to us come for the same reason we flock to them; We need each other to be healthy, happy, and HERE!” Earin says.
“We believe a common misconception about loneliness is that it is solved with a partnership. When people think of dancing, they think they need a partner to come and enjoy. With soul line dancing, a partner is not necessary! We welcome you where you are.”
Earin, who is a full-time accountant and father of three, says that the 615 Soul Line Dance group has become part of their own family. “We support each other on and off the dance floor,” he says.
“We could not have imagined how immersed in soul line dance culture we would be and there is no better feeling than to see confidence grow in your students’ faces,” he adds.
“We are blessed to have the opportunity to provide that feeling to people.”
meet irl
Penny Gibbons believes that events “centered on a community versus random, one-off things can be really beneficial to wellbeing” — that’s why she founded meet irl.
Her Chicago-based organisation hosts casual mixers aiming to facilitate introductions between people aged 25 to 45 looking for new connections, friendship and possibly romance too.
“Ultimately, as humans, we’re social creatures who live in a society and community,” says Penny. “I think the absence of that community has left a lot of people feeling they’re missing something.”
While people are increasingly looking to ditch the apps as a way of meeting new people, Penny appreciates that putting yourself out there can be a daunting prospect, which is why she mindfully creates casual icebreakers to keep the conversation going throughout her events.
“A good ice breaker is one that gives somebody the excuse to talk to as many people as possible,” she says. “You want to find something that will allow someone to have a five-minute conversation with one person and provide a reason to break that and chat with somebody else.”
Meet irl’s events have included wine tasting, skincare masterclasses, community hikes, singles pickleball and “speed friending” — plenty of options to help people get to know one another over a fun activity.
Inspired to help bring people together? Get started with Eventbrite, and help your attendees meet others and build community.
