Chatty Bus initiative returns to mark World Mental Health Day

Thames Travel is supporting World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10th October with its popular Chatty Bus initiative.

The scheme tackles isolation and loneliness in the community, and will return on board the X40 River Rapids service this Saturday between Oxford and Reading from 10am to 1pm.

Volunteers from Thames Travel will be on hand to make introductions, spark conversations, get involved with light games, and provide information about local activities and social groups.

Anyone feeling lonely or isolated is encouraged to join the Chatty Bus, to connect and share stories in a welcoming environment.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Thames Travel, said: “We are proud to serve the community and play an important role in the lives of many of our passengers.

“We know that isolation and loneliness have a profound impact on our society, which is why we continue to do what we can with our Chatty Bus events.

“World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to support the community and check in with passengers and each other.

“Engaging in conversations about our mental health can often be the first step to making a difference with positive outcomes.

“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone on the Chatty Bus and spending valuable time with passengers.”

World Mental Health Day is led by the World Federation for Mental Health, with this year’s theme being ‘lived experiences heard: real voices, real change’.

The World Federation for Mental Health was founded in 1948 to promote mental health, seeking prevention and treatment methods.

Chatty Bus events take place across the Go Thames Valley network, which in addition to Thames Travel, includes Oxford Bus Company, Carousel Buses and Pulhams.

According to a previous study by ComRes, carried out on behalf of Greener Journeys, one-third of Britons say they catch the bus deliberately to have some human contact.

Meanwhile two-thirds of bus users say services create strong community ties, and eight out of 10 know someone who depends on the service.

Mr Marion added: “Buses are an important social function, and by providing extra engagement via Chatty Bus we hope to deliver more support and raise awareness of the issue and the support available.

“Not everyone wishes to engage in conversation when travelling on our services, but for some it might be their only opportunity to speak to have a chat, which is something we’re mindful of as part of our service.”

Following the Chatty Bus for World Mental Health Day, the next event will take place on the Pulhams network on Monday 9th November ahead of Anti-Bullying Week.

For more information about this weekend’s Chatty Bus, please visit: www.oxfordbus.co.uk/chatty-bus-river-rapids