Did you know that almost 1 in 3 Australians experience feelings of loneliness, and contrary to some stereotypes, younger Australians aged 18 to 24 reported feeling most disconnected?

It was these alarming statistics that became the impetus for Wayside to conduct research of our own, leading us to discover that over 70% of Aussies get less than 60 minutes of face-to-face social contact each day. 

Recognising the detrimental impact that loneliness has on mental and physical wellbeing, and these disturbing trends, we started the Social60 initiative. 

Social60 aims to empower Australians to combat this widespread trend, encouraging them to prioritise a minimum of 60 minutes of face-to-face social interaction each day, fostering genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world.

Thanks to the strategic partnership with TikTok, Social60 will reach Australians of all ages and backgrounds through creator-led content, providing them with practical tools to enrich their daily social interactions. 

“Since COVID-19, we have seen more than ever the desperate need for a comprehensive solution to alleviating loneliness” emphasises Rev Jon Owen, CEO and Pastor of Wayside Chapel. “And as an organisation that has been loving people back to life since 1964, it was abundantly clear that now is the time to apply our unique, non-judgemental approach of care and connection to this national challenge with the Social60 initiative.”

To start getting your Social60 in, follow @waysidechapel on TikTok.