Chatty Bus for World Mental Health Day 2024

What is Chatty Bus?

Chatty Bus is a scheme that was introduced in 2019 as part of the Governments loneliness strategy. After being successfully rolled out by bus operators in other areas of the United Kingdom, we thought it was time for Go North West to run our very own in Greater Manchester! 

Research shows that 1 in 3 people admit to getting the bus for social contact. The aim of the Chatty Bus initiative is to make the interactions on the bus more than a greeting or goodbye, but to have a conversation whilst you ride to your destination. 

The Chatty Bus Initiative will commence on a normal running bus route, and Chatty Bus Champions will be from both the charity Rochdale and District Mind and Go North West. They will be in blue Chatty Bus jumpers and will be ready for a chat!

Fares will be free whilst the initiative is live, to allow anyone who wants to join the ride to do so! The bus route will be the 471 driving through Bolton, Bury, Heywood and Rochdale. The Chatty Bus Champions will do four loops on this route, starting at 10:00am from Bolton Interchange, and ending at 15:00.  For more details of times and route, please see here : Chatty Bus comes to the 471 on 10th October – Go North West

So come and join us on World Mental Health Day for a free ride and a chat and lets help combat loneliness by connecting people and communities, together. 

Posted on: 2nd September 2024