Oxford Bus Company is marking Mental Health Awareness Week by bringing back its Chatty Bus initiative to help combat loneliness and isolation in the community.
The popular scheme, which encourages passengers to connect and share stories in a welcoming environment, will return to the county’s bus network on Thursday, May 14.
In partnership with Restore and its Restore Garden Café on Manzil Way, volunteers from both organisations will be on board the 300 service between 10.00am and 1.30pm.
The route links the Pear Tree and Redbridge Park and Ride sites via Oxford city centre.
Volunteers will help introduce passengers to one another, encourage conversation and share information about local activities and social groups.
Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “We are proud to be a business at the heart of the community, and know that feelings of isolation and loneliness have a genuine impact.
“We see this not just on our bus passenger network, but in wider society too, which is why we hold these Chatty Bus events.
“It is particularly poignant during Mental Health Awareness Week to do what we can to support the community.
“Chatty Bus has a positive effect on those who join us, so if you’re looking for a bit of company or want to connect with others, then please do hop on board the Chatty Bus this week.”
In February, the initiative partnered with Age UK Oxfordshire and Oxford Hospitals Charity for its first community outreach event of the year.
Read more: Chatty Bus partners with charities to tackle loneliness across Oxfordshire
Further Chatty Bus events are planned across the Oxford Bus Group network, including services operated by Oxford Bus Company, Carousel Buses, Pulhams Coaches and Thames Travel. Confirmed dates include October 10 with Thames Travel and November 09 with Pulhams Coaches.
Passengers on the May 14 service will also have the chance to receive one of 33 loyalty cards for Restore Garden Café, each offering three free drinks worth £9 in total and valid until June 12.
Mental Health Awareness Week, organised annually by the Mental Health Foundation since 2001, runs from May 11 to 17 this year with the theme of action.
