KIIS 101.1’s Jase & Lauren launch the Big Melbourne Mate Date

Following on-air discussions surrounding the issue of loneliness in young Australian adults, KIIS 101.1’s Jase & Lauren have launched their own solution to the problem – Jase & Lauren’s Big Melbourne Mate Date.

The idea was born after newsreader Clint Stanaway shared how he has struggled with loneliness recently, especially since travelling to and from Sydney every weekend for his gig on Weekend Today.

Clint’s confession sparked a wider discussion on the show about loneliness, with Jase Hawkins and Lauren Phillips sharing their own stories, going on ‘mate dates’ and having professionals such as psychologist Sandy Rae on the show.

Now, to help those struggling in Melbourne, the show has launched Facebook group KIIS Melbourne Mate Dates earlier, where listeners can create friend meet ups and chat to like-minded individuals.

Jase & Lauren will also be hosting their first in-person Big Melbourne Mate Date, which will see strangers from all across the city come together to create new connections.

The meet up is to take place next Thursday at Ballers Clubhouse Carlton from 5pm.

Lauren says “Jase, Clint myself and everyone in our team had a discussion about the topic and we all realised there has been a time in our lives where we’ve felt lonely and isolated.”

“It doesn’t mean you don’t have people around you, it just means you are suffering some kind of loneliness and it is really hard to make adult friends.”

Jase says “We want to host the first of many Big Melbourne Mate Dates. This is about having a night where you come along by yourself, and you leave with mates.”

More details on Jase & Lauren’s Big Melbourne Mate Dates can be found here.