F.A.Q

GenWell Weekends are catalytic occasions that encourage Canadians and people around the world to connect face-to-face with others. They remind us that social connection and social health are not just a nice-to-have - it’s essential for our mental, physical, and societal well-being.

In a fast paced, distracted and pressure filled world where making time to connect with others has increasingly become a challenge, we created GenWell Weekends to provide a collective excuse to step away from the computer, put down the phone, jump off the treadmill and make time to connect with those who make us happier and healthier.

Twice a year - once in the spring and once in the fall - strategically timed around seasonal transitions when people may naturally need a reminder, excuse and catalyst to reconnect and reengage socially.

It's simple: reach out and connect. Whether it’s inviting friends over, checking in with a neighbour, or organizing a community event, any intentional face-to-face interaction counts. Small actions lead to big impact.

Anything that brings people together - coffee chats, BBQs, park walks, potlucks, games nights. The focus is on people, not perfection. It’s not about the size, but the impact that these occasions can have on us and those we connect with. Connection happens in casual moments.

Everyone can. It’s an inclusive movement designed for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Whether you're 8 or 80, you benefit from connection - and you can help others benefit too.

That’s okay! GenWell is about taking your next best step. Even reaching out to one person or joining a public gathering can make a meaningful difference - for you and them. We also hope it inspires people to think about those who may struggle to reach out and be the catalyst that gets them connected.

Research shows that strong social connections reduce anxiety, depression, the risk of heart disease and so much more. It also shows that when we have healthy connections in our life it can increase happiness, immune function, and even longevity. GenWell Weekends are a gateway to accessing happier and healthier people and society.

Registration isn't mandatory - but you can Register at www.GenWellWeekend.org to show your support and get free access to ideas, inspiration, and resources to make your weekend even more impactful. You will also help us measure the impact of these connections and be part of the movement to build a more connected Canada where everyone thrives.

Not at all. GenWell is a non-partisan, non-religious movement focused solely on promoting human connection for the many benefits that it brings to individuals, communities and society.

Absolutely! Many businesses use GenWell Weekends to promote employee well-being, foster team bonding, and create a culture of human connection for the benefit of their people, the business, their community and their customers. Business leaders can check out www.GenWellWeekend.org to get the Business Toolkit that includes tools and practices that can help you create your GenWell gathering.

No - GenWell encourages connection with a wide range of people, including friends, family, neighbours, classmates, and colleagues - those who are often nearby but with whom we may not always take the time to connect. Reaching out strengthens relationships and brings meaningful benefits to everyone involved.

Because in-person interactions activate more brain activity than digital ones - up to nine times more according to some studies. They create deeper emotional impact and stronger memory recall. That said, if digital connections are the only ones that are available to you for a short period of time, they are a great supplement to the human interactions that we should be striving to create.

Connection doesn’t have to be large-scale. Even a call followed by a walk with a neighbour or a visit to a local café can spark meaningful interactions in smaller communities. Check out the listings at 211.ca for a listing of local organizations that can help you get connected!

GenWell Weekend supports your mental and physical health by encouraging meaningful, face-to-face connection - an essential, yet often overlooked, ingredient for well-being. When you connect with others, you boost feel-good chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, while strengthening your emotional resilience. At the same time, regular social interaction has been shown to lower your risk of heart disease, improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and even enhance sleep quality. Simply put, taking time to connect with others during GenWell Weekend isn’t just good for your soul - it’s good for your body and mind too.

Many seniors experience chronic loneliness. GenWell Weekends offer an excuse and opportunity to include them—whether you reach out directly or invite them to join something you're hosting. What a great way to add even more purpose to the connections that you are creating.Senior organizations, caregivers and loves ones can check out www.GenWellWeekend.org to get the Seniors Toolkit that includes tools and practices that can help you create your GenWell gathering.

Connected communities are safer, more resilient, and more supportive. When people know each other, they’re more likely to look out for one another, volunteer, and collaborate. We believe that all Canadians could benefit from more connection during these turbulent times. Community leaders can check out www.GenWellWeekend.org to get the Community Toolkit that includes tools and practices that can help you create your GenWell gathering.

Yes! Schools often use GenWell Weekends as an opportunity to raise the important message of social connection and social health to thier students and then catalyze action. Teachers and professors can check out www.GenWellWeekend.org to get the Classroom Toolkit that includes some tools and practices that can support our young in getting connected.

Share your story. When people see others prioritizing connection, it sparks curiosity and motivation. Social media, word of mouth, and community posters all help build the movement. Whether on social or in casual conversation, every conversation counts.

GenWell Weekends are reminders, not requirements. Even a five-minute chat at a local store or sending a quick message to plan something later can keep the momentum going. Connection is a lifestyle, not just a weekend event. If you dont choose to do it this time around, just know that we will be back for the next GenWell Weekend to help keep you and the people you connect with happier and healthier.