Understanding Social Isolation — the rise of loneliness in Vancouver.

Social isolation is something we’ve heard more about since the start of the pandemic in early 2020. However, in the city of Vancouver, it’s an issue that has been around for much longer than that. You might have heard from people outside of Vancouver that we’re “cold” people. For those who are new to the city, it can be hard to break into well established social groups and meet new people.

But it’s not just an issue for newcomers to the city—did you know that visible minorities, including Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, those with mobility challenges, seniors, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals are most likely to deal with isolation and loneliness? It’s also an issue with young people and those with low or limited incomes. Studies done by the Vancouver Foundation revealed that being young or unemployed doubles the risk of loneliness; a low household income doubles the risk of isolation and nearly triples the risk of loneliness.?

Even with startling statistics like these, it’s an issue that’s often not taken seriously. Being lonely isn’t seen as an urgent concern, despite the fact that it can have dramatic impacts on one’s health and wellbeing. Recent local studies have suggested that people with weak social connections have a 50% greater risk of early death than those with stronger connections—an effect on mortality as strong as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! That’s a pretty urgent health concern, yet it continues to be seen as an “individual” problem and not a societal one.?

Of course, the pandemic has only amplified these feelings of loneliness and isolation. As we move through the second year of the pandemic, people everywhere are feeling the effects of having limited social connections and generally being around people less often. Staying at home and sticking to very small social bubbles during the pandemic has made it even harder to meet new people and expand social networks.?

So the question is, what can we do about it??

As Vancouverites, it’s up to us to work together to find a solution to help increase the sense of community and belonging that so many have been missing. After all, no one knows the city and its people better than those who live and work here. That’s the driving force behind the next Brand Battle for Good.?

This event is a chance to be inspired, get creative, and do some good for your community by coming together to come up with innovative solutions to combat social isolation in our city. We’re bringing together teams from top brands across the city to learn from local experts on social isolation, and then use your knowledge and fresh insights to work with your team to accelerate your creative solutions to combating social isolation. The best part? You’ll be competing against teams from other brands to see who can come up with the winning concept! (A little friendly competition never hurt anyone!)?

This two day event is unlike any other—it’s a chance to learn, grow, challenge each other, and do some good in the place we call home. Want to get your team involved in this one-of-a-kind event alongside top Vancouver brands like Arc'teryx, Unbounce, SOLE Footwear, ReCORK, Keela, Digital Hot Sauce, Major Tom, and many more, and give back to the incredible city where we live and work? Learn more about how to get your seat at the table and book your team today!

The Brand Battle for Good was developed by and made possible with the help of industry pros across various brands within the?Brands for Better’s network?- with everyone donating their time and efforts to the cause.?Thank you to our Founding Brands below for making this event and all Brands for Better events and initiatives possible.

Brands for Better Foundation is a volunteer-driven not-for-profit initiative aimed at using the power of brands to do good. We’re a network of people and brands who care, working to tackle pressing environmental and social issues in our local community in a meaningful, measurable way. We develop and host inclusive events that inspire positive social impact.

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