What is Chatty Bus?
Chatty Bus is a government initiative that helps to reduce the loneliness felt in communities. 1 in 3 individuals get the bus for social interaction, which is why we believe chatty bus should be a staple to communities when uniting people together.
Past Chatty Buses
World mental Health Day 2024 with Rochdale and District Mind
Last year we partnered with Rochdale and District Mind to deliver a chatty bus on route 471. After 5 hours of meaningful conversations with members of the public we were pleased to receive positive feedback about the initiative, with individual stating that “it’s been a lovely experience to talk to someone who cares.” Over 30 conversations occurred between our Chatty Bus Champions and members of the public, with multiple individuals learning about what Rochdale and District Mind can offer and the groups they can attend.
Tameside and Glossop NHS Charity
In February 2025, we came together with Tameside and Glossop NHS Charity to bring chatty bus to the Tameside bus route 387. Charity Manager Emily Burgin highlighted the power of a simple conversation, saying “it’s amazing how a quick chat can lift your mood. We’re so proud to help people connect and get to know our local community more.” Passengers were encouraged to chat beyond exchanging pleasantries to give passengers a chance to truly connect with others. During this event, the importance of the connections you make day to day were enhanced by customers, with one passenger saying “I always use this bus on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sometimes at the weekend. I know everyone that gets on it and it’s lovely. It’s been great to talk to you on the bus as I do get lonely at home, so it’s been a nice change.”
Age UK Wigan
On March 2025, we teamed up with Age UK to bring chatty bus to the 615. It was lovely to connect with the Wigan community and see how many individuals were interested in who Age UK are, and what they could offer in the long term. Reducing loneliness through chatty bus has proven effective on many occasions, however Age UK have the ability to support these individuals after the day has ended. This helps us work together as a society to reduce loneliness, one person at a time.
