news.com.au

There's no debate to be had that lockdown can take a serious toll on mental health. In fact, a recent report from Headspace highlighted more than half of young Aussies were experiencing feelings of loneliness, isolation and lack of companionship. No surprises there, huh. 

But before you pour yourself another gin, there's a new site in town. With the first rule being "you are not alone", and the second "don't be a d*ck", OnlyFriends aims to create a strictly platonic community in which 'friends' in their 20s and 30s can support and share with each other online (and IRL if adhering to government restrictions) during the pandemic.

“It is devastating to see the loneliness epidemic sweep through young adults..." says OnlyFriends co-founder Shaun Mahoney, "The pandemic and lockdowns are playing a huge part in feeling isolated and lonely."

The site was created to combat loneliness in Australia, and aims to promote connection during lockdowns through genuine friendship.

“Like the name says - it’s friendship only and allows for members to connect face-to-face, with virtual safe video catch-ups, to share interests, to share travel and to chat online in special interest groups," says co-founder Tamara Sheeran.

Read the full story here.