We Are Here

Public Space and Social Connection

Take the Connection Survey | Contact | HeART Lab Home

We Are Here is a mural project by HeART Lab, with art by Amanda Lederle, in partnership with The Bentway. In a time of increasing social isolation in Toronto, the viewer is invited to think about public space and the ways that it can help to support connections to other people. Viewers can scan the QR codes on the map to hear the voices of artists and community partners who are part of The Bentway’s summer season and Softer City exhibit, alongside scientists, and mental health clinicians from CAMH. Listen to their reflections on these themes of public space, loneliness, connection, and well-being in the audio below.

We Are Here on-site installation at The Bentway

Take the Connection Survey Click Here

Health impacts of loneliness

Social isolation is more dangerous than smoking 15 cigarettes per day
Those who experience isolation, loneliness or poor relationships 25% chance of early death from any cause
Increased rates of cognitive decline in older adults
Social isolation can increase the chances of depression and anxiety and make it harder to recover
Social isolation is one of the strongest predictors of suicidal thinking and behaviour

Positive health impacts of social connection

50% improved survival
Support of family members improves outcomes of those with health conditions
Contributes to a sense of meaning and purpose
Is a social resource that builds and sustains resilience
Arts engagement can support social connection

References
1. U.S. Surgeon General. 2023. Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation.
2. World Health Organization. 2024. Commission on loneliness.
3. Perkins, R., Mason-Bertrand, A., Tymoszuk et al. 2021. Arts engagement supports social connectedness in adulthood. BMC public health, 21(1), 1208.

HeART Lab is located at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres in its field. This partnership with The Bentway reflects our vision of health redefined and dedication to patient, family and community well-being. For more information about CAMH, please visit www.camh.ca.

If you are thinking about suicide or worried that someone you know may be considering suicide, you don’t have to face your problems alone.

Call or text 9-8-8 any time for a safe space to talk.