Arizona State University's 'All Ears' Friendship Bench Fights College Loneliness

The Loneliness Epidemic Among College Students

• 💡 Loneliness is a significant issue, with approximately one in three adults reporting feelings of isolation.
• 🎯 College students are particularly vulnerable to loneliness, especially when separated from their homes and families.

The 'All Ears' Friendship Bench Program

• 🤝 Arizona State University (ASU) has launched the 'All Ears' friendship bench program to address student isolation.
• 💬 The program utilizes older adult volunteers who staff benches with a sign stating, "I'm all ears. You can talk to me about anything."

Benefits for Students and Volunteers

• 👂 Students are provided a safe space to talk about issues they may not feel comfortable discussing with peers or roommates.
• 🧠 Volunteers offer their wisdom and life experiences, helping students feel seen and heard.
• 🌟 The program also aims to foster intergenerational connections.
• 💖 Volunteers, like ASU alumna Pency Culver, find the experience rewarding and fulfilling, meeting a previously unknown need.