Stagecoach and Inspired Villages reunite in Lenham for a day out on the Friendship Bus

Bus operator Stagecoach South East and retirement village operator, Inspired Villages, reunited last month for another day out on the Friendship Bus, this time for a trip to Lenham.

The trip, which took place on Wednesday 25th September, saw 13 members hop on the 10X bus from Maidstone for a day in Lenham, where they shopped, enjoyed lunch and picked up sweet treats from the local bakery before boarding the bus back home.

The Friendship Bus, which aims to combat loneliness for older people, started in 2022 with trips so far to Ashford, Canterbury and Eastbourne. The initiative picked up a UK Bus Award for Bus and the Community in November 2022. This time the event was brought to Lenham where one of the members, Sylvia, lives.

Wendy Pfieffer, Friendships Manager at Inspired Villages, had the idea to bring the Friendship Bus to Lenham after speaking with Sylvia.

“A couple of weeks ago one of my members told me that living in a rural village is mostly beautiful but sometimes she feels so isolated.

“She finds it difficult getting into Maidstone to catch the Friendship Bus for our days out.

“So, if she can’t get to the Friendship Bus, why not take the Friendship Bus to her!”

Members of Inspired Villages waiting for the 10X bus to Maidstone after a trip to Lenham.