From Campus Struggles to a Global Movement for Real Connection

It all started in Leeds.
In 2017, a young student named Ben Turner moved from Northern Ireland to begin his university journey. Like so many others, he arrived with hope for a fresh start. But instead of finding a vibrant social life, he was met with isolation, loneliness, and a growing struggle with mental health. It was only through the kindness of fellow students in his halls - people who listened, shared, and connected - that Ben discovered something powerful: the true impact of real, face-to-face friendship.

That experience sparked a bigger question:
Why, in such a connected world, is it still so hard to make genuine human connections?

From that insight - and after joining forces with Markus, a seasoned product strategist and mentor - UniLink was born: a platform designed to help students build meaningful, real-life friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.

What began as a student-led initiative quickly gained traction. UniLink tapped into a deeper, universal need that extended far beyond university life. As Ben puts it:

We realised students weren't the only ones craving connection - adults in cities, people starting new chapters, and even regulars in gyms, pubs, and cafés all shared the same unmet need: to feel like they belonged.

 

In 2023, UniLink won the Dragons' Den Pitch at the University of Leeds, affirming what we had always believed: the world was ready for something more human.

So we took the next step - and created Actively.

Actively - Connection by Design

While UniLink helped students connect, Actively opened the door to everyone. It’s a platform built to strengthen local communities, revive real-life socialising, and help people rediscover the joy of belonging - no matter their age or background.

Why It Matters

Global research confirms it:

• 76% of people say social media and dating apps increase anxiety and loneliness
• Since 2020, there’s been a 42% surge in people actively seeking face-to-face friendships
• 80% feel happier and healthier when engaged in group activities

The solution isn’t more screen time.
It’s real time.

Actively is built on the science of social bonding. By making it easy to discover, join, and enjoy real-world experiences, we’re rebuilding the foundation of community - one event, one friendship, and one shared moment at a time.

For Businesses – Because Loyalty Starts with Belonging

It turns out the #1 reason people stay loyal to a gym, pub, or coffee shop isn’t price or product.
It’s belonging.

That’s why we created the Actively Business Partner Portal - a toolkit that helps local venues turn occasional visitors into loyal regulars through meaningful community engagement.

• Host events that bring people together
• Get discovered by nearby Actively users
• Reward attendees with in-app perks
• Watch your regulars grow - and your revenue with them

Because the best businesses don’t just sell - they connect.

Where We’re Going

From one student’s struggle came a spark—igniting a movement that’s spreading city by city, and soon, the world. We’ve seen students flourish, locals rediscover belonging, small businesses become beacons of connection, and big brands take on meaning far beyond profit.

But we’re just getting started.

Whether you’re looking for new friends, building a community, or running a space where people gather - Actively is here to make connection easy, rewarding, and real.

Join the movement. Find your people.
Let’s bring the world back together - one connection at a time.