Pete Bombaci of The Genwell Project discusses social isolation and loneliness - their impact on mental health and what to do during the current crisis

It might seem ironic but the advent of the restrictions on society during the Covid 19 crisis, in particular "social distancing" has sparked a major conversation about the impact of loneliness and isolation on mental and physical health.  And as people find themselves working from home, unable to socialize with friends and family, so they are asking themselves - how can I maintain a sense of connection?

Few people are as well placed to address these issues than Pete Bombaci, Founder of The Genwell Project, a not for profit dedicated to human connection.  Pete comes to the discussion about how to stay mentally well during this period of forced isolation having studied the impact of loneliness and advocated for greater connection for many years.

Joined by my daughter Jessica who had just emerged from a period of isolation after a friend tested positive, together we explore the impact of loneliness, what you can do right now to ensure you stay connected, and how we can maintain a sense of belonging as we live through this crisis and build momentum for even more human connection once this is over.  We also briefly discuss grief and the impact not being able to physically gather as normal is having on all of us.

For more info on my work as a conference emcee, spoken word artist, panel moderator and event designer check out my site at https://conferencebard.ca/