Bringing People Together During Loneliness Awareness Week: More Than Just a Journey
- julie178914
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
As part of Loneliness Awareness Week, we invited a group of our service users to join us for lunch at the wonderful No.7 Restaurant at Rushmere. Some of those attending had never met before, while others were surprised to discover they already knew one another from years gone by.
What started as a simple meal together quickly became something much more meaningful.
Over delicious food and plenty of conversation, friendships were strengthened, memories were shared, and new connections were made. The room was filled with laughter, stories and genuine warmth as everyone chatted about their lives, their experiences and what community transport has meant to them over the years.
For many of those attending, DART provides far more than transport. It provides independence, confidence and an opportunity to remain part of their community.
Throughout the afternoon, we spoke about loneliness, isolation and the difference that staying connected can make. We heard first-hand how community transport has positively impacted people’s lives and helped them maintain social connections that otherwise may not have been possible.
One attendee, May Grant, told us:
“I have been using DART for over a decade and I would feel very isolated without it.”
Another service user, Bridget McStravick, shared:
“I am elderly with bad eyesight and wouldn’t get out without community transport.”
For Gemma, community transport became a lifeline during one of the most difficult periods of her life:
“I started using DART after my husband passed away. I would be devastated if community transport wasn’t available to me. I have made friendships and connections and it is an excellent service.”
These stories remind us why the work we do matters so much.
Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age or circumstance. It can impact both physical and mental wellbeing and often develops gradually over time. For many people, something as simple as not having access to transport can become a barrier to social interaction, leading to increased feelings of isolation.
Community transport helps remove that barrier.
The conversations we had during our lunch reinforced just how important these services are within our communities.
When we asked attendees about their experiences using DART:
100% said community transport has helped reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
100% said one of the things they enjoy most about travelling with DART is the opportunity to meet and chat with drivers and fellow passengers.
86% said they have made friendships through using DART services.
These statistics are incredibly powerful because behind every percentage is a person whose life has been enriched through connection.
Our drivers are often more than just drivers. They become familiar faces, trusted companions and an important part of someone’s week. Likewise, fellow passengers often become friends, sharing journeys, conversations and experiences together.
The lunch at No.7 Restaurant perfectly captured the spirit of what community transport is all about. People who may never have crossed paths otherwise sat together, shared stories, discovered common interests and left with new friendships and connections.
As we mark Loneliness Awareness Week, we want to celebrate the resilience of our service users and recognise the importance of creating opportunities for people to connect.
At DART Partnership, we are proud to play a role in helping people remain active, independent and engaged in their communities. Every journey represents an opportunity – not just to travel, but to belong.
If you feel community transport could benefit you, a family member, a friend or someone you know, we would love to hear from you.
Get in Touch
📞 028 3831 7810
Together, we can help ensure that nobody feels left behind or isolated.
Because sometimes the most important journeys are the ones that bring people together.
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