Hello Yello: Promoting Connection and Combating Urban Loneliness

by Cicely Belle Blain

In a world of constant hustle and bustle, it's easy to feel disconnected and isolated, especially in densely populated urban areas like Vancouver. Loneliness has emerged as a concerning issue, impacting many Canadians' mental health and overall well-being. A 2021 Canadian Social Survey revealed that over 1 in 10 Canadians aged 15 and older often feel lonely. Those who reported frequent loneliness were more likely to experience poor mental health, demonstrating the detrimental effects of social isolation on the individual's overall quality of life.

Loneliness can be a pervasive issue, particularly in large cities like Metro Vancouver, where making meaningful connections can be challenging for people of all ages. A report by the Vancouver Foundation revealed that nearly one-third of young adults across the region reported feeling lonely "almost always" or "often."

The experiences of isolation and loneliness are often exacerbated for marginalized groups. “Being Black in Vancouver was mostly an isolating experience because what my heart was yearning for was a sense of belonging, a community that I could connect with and relate to,” writes Doa Magdy in a Georgia Straight piece.

In his article, The Epidemic of Gay Loneliness, Michael Hobbes writes, “gay men are, as Keuroghlian puts it, “primed to expect rejection.” We’re constantly scanning social situations for ways we may not fit into them. We struggle to assert ourselves. We replay our social failures on a loop.”

Many factors contribute to the loneliness experienced by city-dwellers, such as the cost of living, city planning, accessibility, social structures, power dynamics, and even architecture. “In a landscape where securing the basics can be an ongoing challenge, mustering the capacity to locate a sense of community is yet another necessity of life that can feel like a luxury lying just out of our reach,” writes Kaitlyn Fung.

Multiple studies have emphasized the significance of social interaction in promoting well-being. Having a strong social network has been shown to have a substantial impact on overall health. Social pain, like rejection, is as real as physical pain. Scientist Matthew Lieberman argues that our need for social connection is as fundamental as our need for food and water.

Luckily, there are various organizations working to address social isolation and develop spaces for community connection in accessible, fun and simple ways.

Addressing Social Isolation Through Hello Yello

Recognizing the urgency to tackle social isolation and foster a sense of community, Hello Yello emerged as a grassroots organization in Vancouver. Comprised of a core volunteer team of ten passionate individuals, Hello Yello aims to combat social isolation and loneliness by encouraging genuine connections and friendly interactions among people in the city.

“At Hello Yello, our goal is to encourage connection, to shift our mindsets from being closed off to being open & friendly, and to help people develop a sense of community and belonging in our amazing city. The US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy published a report earlier this year on the ‘Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation’ sweeping the country, and stated that “lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day”. He talks at length about the extraordinary power of human connection, and the immense healing quality it has. We recognize that social isolation and loneliness are massive, systemic issues that we do not have the tools or expertise to address - so we are hoping by raising awareness around the issue and providing spaces and opportunities to connect, we will be doing a small part in improving the daily lives of people in Vancouver. And from there - who knows what may happen!” - Emma Rendell, Hello Yello Marketing Manager.

The inspiration behind Hello Yello began with a hackathon called "Brands for Better - Brand Battle for Good" in the fall of 2022. This event brought together teams from various companies seeking solutions to address social isolation and loneliness in Vancouver. Hello Yello's diverse team of entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators collaborated to develop a simple yet powerful idea - the yellow bench. Sitting on the yellow bench signifies openness to connecting and engaging in conversations, creating a tangible and immediate way to combat social isolation in public spaces.

If you are sitting on the yellow bench, you are open to connecting and having a conversation.

Hello Yello's impact is expanding this summer. From July 28th to August 11th, Hello Yello is hosting a pop-up event in Kitsilano at West 4th and Maple. So far, over 80 people signed up to volunteer, eager to contribute to making Vancouver friendlier and more inclusive. The Hello Yello mission has resonated with people, demonstrating a deep desire for genuine connections and community involvement.

Get Involved with Hello Yello

If you want to be part of this transformative movement, Hello Yello welcomes volunteers for their Pop-Up Space and encourages everyone to follow them on Instagram. By following their social media updates, you can stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities to engage with the Hello Yello community.

Follow Hello Yello on Instagram

Volunteers will need to:

Attend one training session (July 19th at 7:30-9 or July 27th at 5:30-6:45)
Sign up for at least one hour of volunteering to start spontaneous conversations
Join the Hello Yello Slack channel for team communication