You Belong

Franklin Connects Fights Loneliness One Conversation at a Time

In an increasingly digital world, feelings of loneliness have grown significantly over the years. Now an epidemic, statistics show that certain groups of people, such as females, widows or those with mental health conditions, to name a few, are more likely to exhibit symptoms of isolation and loneliness. It is no secret that loneliness can have severe and limiting health effects, even hindering performance at school and work. In response to this crisis, the Franklin community has stepped up by launching Franklin Connects, a community-focused initiative in collaboration with Find Hope Franklin to reduce loneliness and increase a sense of belonging for all. 

“Loneliness has become a major mental health topic, and Franklin is no different from other communities,” said City of Franklin Mayor Ken Moore. “As our community continues to grow, so does the potential for people to feel isolated.”

At the heart of Franklin Connects, the city aims to cultivate more ways to connect and engage the local community. “In our digital-driven world, people are becoming disconnected from others,” said Amy Alexander, CEO of The Refuge Center for Counseling. “I’m proud that Franklin has the vision to recognize this. We are an inviting and welcoming community, and, through Franklin Connects, we are going to help our fellow citizens find ways to plug in and find connections they never knew existed.”

With the launch of the initiative, a variety of learning resources and engagement opportunities are available now. As a starting point, community members are invited to take a three-question assessment at FranklinConnects.org to raise awareness. Helpful resources for various settings, including sports leagues, educational classes, churches and community organizations, are also available. This allows others to take ownership in the community and participate in opportunities to learn, equip and lead change in the areas they are involved in. Additionally, there are opportunities to gain support from Franklin Connects Ambassadors, and a Community Training Program is currently in development, led by a team of experts, to support and guide leaders in instilling change in their teams across a variety of organizations.

Located in various places around Franklin, “Happy to Chat” benches are designated spaces for people to engage in thoughtful conversation and encourage new connections. In addition, a partnership with Folx Table allows participants to enjoy a shared meal at a beloved local restaurant with thoughtful prompts to guide conversation. A Community Engagement Fair is also planned for this fall, with the goal of bringing together a variety of organizations and volunteer opportunities for others to join based on their interests.

“We want everyone in our community to know they have a place and a way to connect with others,” Mayor Moore said. “By creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, we can strengthen relationships and build a healthier, more connected community.”

Quality of life is strengthened through meaningful relationships, and Franklin Connects is an opportunity for the city to support the holistic health of those who call Franklin home.

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To learn more about Franklin Connects and their mission to combat loneliness, and to get involved, visit franklinconnects.org.