A new bus service launched by a warm-hearted retirement operator aims to combat loneliness
The Friendship Bus is a new strand of Inspired Friendships – an initiative supported by Inspired Villages that offers a befriending service to the wider retired community, to prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation.
For the new Friendship Bus Inspired Villages is partnering Stagecoach South East and Arriva.
Data by Inspired Villages, which has seven retirement villages in the UK, reveals that 59 per cent of consumers say they do not feel part of their local community, with 22 per cent saying their village or town needs to improve its community facilities.
The research also reveals that 36 per cent of people aged between 65-74 feel disconnected to culture, with a further 39 per cent of the same age group seeking to join or have already joined a local organisation to feel closer to their community.
In response to the need for community connectivity, the Friendship Bus will aim to encourage conversations amongst older people as well as give them confidence to use public transport.
The first Friendship bus left King Street in Maidstone in Kent on Tuesday 14 June on its journey to the Hollywood Bowl in Ashford and Elwick Road in Ashford, for a full day of Inspired activities.
Operating monthly for Inspired Friendship members, the bus will visit destinations including the Isle of Sheppey, the historic city of Canterbury; and the Cat Café in Tonbridge.
As well as a promise of friendly faces, guests will be able to enjoy lunch together, have a walk and visit the sights around the bus-stop locations.
For more information on how to join the Inspired Friendships community, please visit https://www.inspiredvillages.co.uk/about-us/our-impact/inspired-friendship.
“The Friendship Bus not only breaks down the barriers for those who find it difficult to socialise day-to-day, but also helps them to gain confidence again after routines were shifted by the pandemic and people were forced to stay inside,” added Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages.
“We hope Inspired Friendships’ new venture with Arriva and Stagecoach will continue to restore confidence and enjoyment in its members.”
Inspired Friendships’ member Linda Ross said, “When we feel we have support and are not alone, we are more resilient, often coping more with difficult times in our lives… I was introduced to this group by my best friend and dialysis buddy, and I am so grateful that she did as I have met a wonderful group of people that make you feel very welcome.”
When we feel we have support and are not alone, we are more resilient
Managing Director of Stagecoach South East, Joel Mitchell is enthusiastic about the new partnership: “We are thrilled to be working with Inspired Villages to help tackle loneliness with the Friendship Bus. Buses play an important part in bringing people together.
“For some, the only person they speak with all day is the bus driver. Through this brilliant initiative, we have created a space for people to come together to let them know they aren’t alone whilst making new friendships along the way.”
Christian Obray, Regional Marketing Manager (South) Arriva, agreed: “We are delighted to be involved in this amazing project. To be able to be a part of helping with removing even one person’s feeling of loneliness is incredible. We are really looking forward to helping in any way we can.”
The scheme also complements the Friendly Bench, which is not connected to Inspired Villages but a separate charity which also aims to tackle loneliness by designing mini community gardens where people can sit, chat and connect. wwwthefriendlybench.co.uk
Inspired Villages provides support to over 65s across its seven villages in the UK and surrounding communities.
This ranges from the role of Wellbeing Navigators in providing age-appropriate living, exercise, activities and mental health support, to initiatives such as Inspired Friendships whereby the community is encouraged to engage with and experience new things with like-minded people of a similar age.
For more information on Inspired Villages or to become part of the Inspired Friendships community, please visit: inspiredfriendships@inspiredvillages.co.uk
