The UK is facing a growing crisis of disconnection. More than 9 million adults say they often or always feel lonely (Campaign to End Loneliness), and the 16–29 age group reports the highest levels nationally (ONS, 2024). The Centre for Social Justice called 2023/24 the loneliest year on record, showing that existing interventions have yet to make a measurable impact.
Chronic isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (PLOS Medicine) and costs the economy billions through lost productivity and increased NHS demand (PLOS One, 2025).
Meanwhile, the very platforms meant to connect us are failing. Fewer than 2 percent of matches on major apps lead to a real-world meetup (Psychology Today, 2022), while independent community venues continue to disappear, with nearly a quarter of UK restaurants closing since 2019 (ONS, 2024).
Rewild was founded to change this — using ethical design to rebuild real-world connection, strengthen community wellbeing, and help revitalise local high streets by supporting the independent venues that bring people together.
Rewild is more than an app; it’s a real-world, research-led intervention. Our model is built on evidence of what truly works to form new, positive social connections.
Our research found that 94% of people value suggested safe venues. We partner exclusively with handpicked local spots ideal for low-pressure first meetups.
With over 80% of people more likely to meet up for a reward, our model provides a gentle nudge to turn an online match into a real conversation.
We prioritise wellbeing over engagement metrics, serving as a scalable tool for public health initiatives like social prescribing.
Wellbeing First
We design for genuine human connection, not maximum screen time.
Launching in Manchester
Starting with a focused MVP to learn, iterate, and perfect our model in a key UK city.
Community Focused
We support the independent venues that are the heart of our neighbourhoods.
Academic Partnerships
Collaborating with UK universities to rigorously measure our impact on wellbeing and publish our findings.
Safety & Trust
We address the core needs for security and authenticity that other apps neglect.
National Scale
Using our data-driven model to strategically expand to towns and cities across the UK.
A Personal Mission
Rewild was founded on a simple question: What if technology served our wellbeing, not just our screen time? I saw a digital landscape where success was measured in engagement metrics — even when that engagement fuelled anxiety, comparison, and profound loneliness.
I believe we have a responsibility to design technology that heals our social lives rather than harms them. Rewild was founded to prove that technology can support genuine human connection and collective wellbeing, not replace it.
Niall Hanlon - Rewild Founder.
Whether you’re an academic researcher or a local venue owner, your partnership can help us measure, refine, and expand the impact of Rewild.
We are actively seeking partnerships with academic institutions to rigorously test and validate our impact on wellbeing. If you are interested in collaborating on a project with significant real-world impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Our venue partners are the heart of the Rewild mission. If you run a safe, welcoming space and want to attract new customers while strengthening your local community, find out more about becoming a Verified Rewild Venue.
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“To return a species to its natural environment after a period of captivity or artificial separation.”
Rewild brings human connection back into the real world - one verified meetup at a time.