Chatty Bus to help combat loneliness during Mental Health Awareness Week

Oxford Bus Company is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week by combatting isolation and loneliness in the community.

The popular Chatty Bus initiative, which allows passengers to connect and share stories in a welcoming environment, will be returning to the county’s bus network on Thursday 14th May.

In partnership with the Restore Garden Café in Manzil Way, volunteers from both Oxford Bus Company and mental health support charity Restore will be on board the 300 service between 10am and 1:30pm. The 300 route connects Park & Ride sites at Pear Tree and Redbridge via Oxford city centre.

Volunteers will be making introductions, sparking conversations, and sharing 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, Chatty Bus partnered with Age UK Oxfordshire and Oxford Hospitals Charity to deliver the first community outreach event of the year, on board the X32 service between the John Radcliffe Hospital and Didcot.

Further Chatty Bus days will be taking place across the Oxford Bus Group network via Oxford Bus Company, Carousel Buses, Pulhams Coaches and Thames Travel. Events have been confirmed for 10th October (Thames Travel) and 9th November (Pulhams Coaches).

Restore has been supporting people across Oxfordshire since 1977, with its origins as a gardening group at Littlemore Hospital.

The charity offers employment support to people experiencing ill mental health, providing recovery and support, while striving to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

In 2008, Restore opened its Garden Café in Manzil Way, serving the public homemade food, while developing skills in catering and hospitality.

Oxford Bus Company’s Chatty Bus volunteers will be giving away 33 ‘loyalty cards’ for the Garden Café on board the 300 service on 14th May. These cards will include three free drinks valued at £3 per drink (£9 per card). The cards are valid until 12th June.

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign organised by the Mental Health Foundation since 2001. This year, the awareness week takes place between 11th and 17th May, with action selected as the theme.

For more information about this week’s Chatty Bus, please visit: www.oxfordbus.co.uk/chatty-bus-14th-May-2026