Stagecoach to get people chatting

New service attempts to combat loneliness

Stagecoach in Devon have launched a new service aimed at getting people talking.

They say January can be a tough month for some - so have joined forces with local charity Westbank Community Health and Care to launch a weekly Chatty Bus.

The ‘Chatty Tuesdays’ will take-off from 21st January until 25th February, 10am - 2pm on route 57 serving Exeter, Topsham, Exmouth and Brixington.

A team of local volunteers will be climbing on board the 57 double-deckers and simply have a chat, whether you’re a young mum or recently retired.

Aisha O’Connor, Marketing Coordinator of Stagecoach South West said: “With loneliness becoming a wide spread issue in society, we are delighted to be able to get involved with our local community. 

“We’re really looking forward to launching our very own Chatty Bus to encourage our passengers to have a chat and spread some happiness."

Nina Parnell from Westbank said “As a local charity we witness on a daily basis the often devastating impact of loneliness on individuals. A simple 5 minute conversation can and does make all the difference to a lonely person’s day.  

“The Chatty Bus service will provide a brilliant opportunity for our volunteers to have a friendly chat with people on route and also to provide information to link them into community groups and services which can help to reduce loneliness and isolation.”