Location: United Kingdom
Users of sharing app Olio, which helps people save money, cut waste, and connect with their community, are discovering unexpected benefits including improved mood, a renewed sense of purpose, and stronger community connections.
With Olio, anyone can access free food from nearby supermarkets, pick up household items being shared by neighbours, and pass on things they're no longer using to someone else for free. People can also volunteer to rescue surplus food from Olio’s partner businesses which include Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Iceland Foods, Waitrose, Pret A Manger and more.
A survey of nearly 1,000 Olio respondents found that the app not only helps them cut food waste and costs, but also provides mental health benefits. More than eight in ten users reported that Olio gives them a sense of purpose or contribution (85%), improves their mood (84%), or helps them feel more connected to their local community (82%).
Almost seven in ten Olio users (67%) said that using the sharing app to access free food from Olio’s partner businesses helps to ease stress or worry about finances. It is well evidenced that financial pressures are known to contribute to the risk of poor mental health.
As one Olio user mentioned in the survey: “We had an increase in our bills and were really struggling with feeding my four children. We got to eat healthy meals everyday by collecting from Olio.”
Another said: “I am going through a very difficult time at the moment, and becoming an Olio volunteer has occupied my mind... it has given me a sense of purpose when I felt lost”.
The findings are being shared during Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May) of which Olio is a community partner. The campaign, which is run by the Mental Health Foundation, is encouraging people to take action for good mental health, emphasising that even small actions can provide benefits to our wellbeing.
Throughout May, Olio users will have the option to donate to the Mental Health Foundation’s work towards good mental health for all. Olio users requesting or adding items can expect to see a new donation option appear in the app this week. For those yet to join, now’s the perfect time to download the app and give your mental health a boost while donating to a good cause.
Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation said: “Getting involved in our communities and sharing with others has a positive impact on our mental health. Small, everyday actions, like connecting with people in our community, volunteering or helping someone else, can boost our sense of purpose, help reduce isolation and improve how we feel.
“As these findings show, supporting good mental health isn’t just about awareness. It’s about taking action, and recognising that even simple acts of sharing and connection can help us feel better while strengthening our communities.”
Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio added: “Whilst the main reason for using Olio is to reduce waste and save money, more than eight in ten users say Olio has helped them feel more connected to their local community. Nearly three quarters (73%) added that interacting with people through the app has improved their wellbeing.”
Tessa added: “Many Olio users say that using the app has helped them to connect with their communities and has supported their social anxiety, in addition to reducing waste and saving money. We encourage others to join us - taking a small action really can make a huge difference to ourselves, others and our community.”
This Mental Health Awareness Week the Mental Health Foundation is asking people to take action to support good mental health and help create mentally-healthy communities.
Find out more about Olio and download the app here: https://olioapp.com/en/
For more information on Mental Health Awareness Week and how you can take action to support good mental health - for yourself, for someone else, for all of us - visit: mentalhealth.org.uk/action
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