People living and working on the Isle of Wight were treated to company and conversation last week – thanks to a special event run by Age Friendly Island and Southern Vectis as part of the Celebrating Age Festival.
The bus operator cemented its commitment to helping reduce loneliness and isolation among local people, by launching its Chatty Bus initiative in Newport.
Susan Cullen from Southern Vectis said:
“With one in 10 people going at least one day a week without speaking to anyone – and a third of Britons admitting they deliberately catch the bus to have some human contact – we wanted to help break the ice and get people talking.
“Our Chatty Bus was positioned next to Costa Coffee in the town and our team busied themselves talking to anyone and everyone. The initiative is all about engaging in conversation with our passengers and helping to remove the stigma of talking to strangers.”
Peter and Judy Blanchard from Whippingham came across the bus and agreed that talking to each other is hugely beneficial even if it’s a quick ‘hello’. It could make all the difference for someone who is lonely.
Peter said:
“Sadly people don’t talk as much as they used to. It’s all about checking your phone these days. I think there is a feeling that you shouldn’t speak to others around you because you don’t know them, which is a shame.
Article continues below this advertisement “We had a great time today. In fact, the bus was positioned right next to where my wife and I first met, under the archway – many years ago. I think this is a wonderful initiative.”
I live in Ryde and when out walking, often with my dog I usually say good morning or whenever to people I pass and often just get a gruff you all right or a shocked look! So often people are either listening to something, looking at their phone or more interested in looking down at their feet rather than interacting with people which I find rather sad.
there are those that enjoy silence, who wish to go about their day without speaking to or interacting with others unless absolutely necessary.
Their right to enjoy their own company without being expected to interact with other humans, must also be respected.
Most will politely say hello if spoken to out of courtesy, however, nothing more.
I know people in the south are very inhibited not at all open and friendly not even a please take smile !!
Its not about being inhibited (and that is an insult by the way). Those individuals are exercising their fundamental right to self determination. They have actively chosen not to engage in conversation with any other individual unless they have to. That right should be respected and not derided or mocked.
The very fact that some people seem to think that they have some sort of entitlement to be spoken to by complete strangers is surprising, given the fact that this is supposed to be a free country, where you have the right to decide to speak or not.