The Chatty Bus Tour

We're back out on the road with our 'Chatty Bus' to fight social isolation and promote connection within local communities with the help of Age UK Hull and local internet provider KCOM.

Over the next four months, we'll be heading out to the streets of Beverley, Brough, Cottingham and Hull as 'Chatty Ambassadors' who're free to have a chat with anyone wanting a cup of tea and a natter.

Whether you're looking for advice on how to use your devices to connect with friends and family far away, looking for advice as to what local groups, events and services are available to you in your area, or you just fancy a chat with a cuppa (and some biscuits) - everyone's invited to come along to see us.

The tour will kick off with the Chatty Bus's return to Beverley on 15 March between 08:30am and 4pm at Beverley Market, moving on to Brough on 19 April, Cottingham on 18 May, and Hull on 14 June. Anyone and everyone is invited to come along, have a chat with the team, and find out more about how they can stay connected across the region.

Our Head of Commercial, Stuart Fillingham, said that he's excited to see the return of our Chatty Buses:

“We’re excited to be bringing back our Chatty Buses to the streets of the region.

“Here at East Yorkshire, we’re passionate about connecting people, whether that’s with their favourite places or their favourite people. That’s why we’re bringing back our Chatty Bus campaign: to give people across the region the chance to come, have a cup of tea and a chat with the team, and learn more about the services and initiatives that are available in their local areas.”

Neil Bartholomew, Managing Director of KCOM Retail, said:

“The Chatty Bus is a great initiative to be involved with that lets us connect with people right across the region. This time especially our ambassadors will be able to talk to people about how the upgrade of our old copper phone network to full fibre will affect them – and give out useful advice on what they need to do to keep their landlines connected.”

Age UK's CEO, Andy Haynes, said: 

“Working with East Yorkshire and partnering with KCOM on the “Chatty Bus” is an excellent way to connect direct into the communities we all serve across Hull and East Yorkshire. The chatty bus visits enable Age UK to spend time “chatting” with people, increasing their awareness of how we can help them or those they may care for, as well as sharing about opportunities to get involved in supporting our work. So when you do see that the chatty bus is going to be nearby then do come and say hello and learn some more about our work.”

Feeling lonely, isolated, or looking for ways to connect with your region?

For Hull Residents:

Hull Talking Tables

Drop in at a cafe or community centre that has 'Talking Tables' - a place to chat.

Find a Talking Tables venue near you.

Hull Connect to Support

Find information and advice to help you make choices about your life and how you live it, and connect to local groups and activities through their community directory.

Find out more by visiting hull.connecttosupport.org.

Connect Well

Refer yourself to Connect Well to get a one-to-one appointment with a Wellbeing Advisor, who can assist you to access support and guidance and point you in the direction of groups where you can try something new.

Contact 01482 217670 or visit Hull Connect Well.

For East Riding Residents:

Community Links & Health Trainers

Find help to make a positive lifestyle change through individual, personalised support, helping with social isolation, health issues and mental wellbeing.

Contact 0800 9177752 to find out more or visit the Health Trainers website.

For North Yorkshire Residents:

Living Well

Living Well aims to improve the health and wellbeing of adults, supporting you to find solutions to your goals. 

Find out more by ringing 01609 780780 and asking for the ‘Living Well Service’ or visiting the Living Well webpage.

For Scarborough Residents:

Scarborough MATES

Scarborough Mates is a friendly group of men and women who meet up to try out new activities, exchange ideas & chat over a cuppa. Our goal is to reduce social isolation and build a stronger community while sharing our skills to help you learn new ones.

Find out more by visiting the Scarborugh MATES website.

For Those in Later Life in Hull & East Yorkshire:

Age UK Hull

Age UK Hull has some brilliant resources to help those in later life, including befriending services, expert advice and home support.

Visit the Age UK Hull website to find out more.

KCOM's IT & Biscuits Sessions

Join KCOM and Age UK HEY for their IT & Biscuits sessions where their team will help you feel more confident online. Learn how to use the internet to stay in touch with friends and family, pay household bills, and provide easy access to interests and information.

Sessions take place every second Monday from 13/02/23 between 10-12pm at KCOM's Learning Zone on Carr Lane, Hull.

Find out more by emailing Age UK HEY.

For Men:

Men in Sheds

Men in Sheds have loads of activities to help you meet new people. 

Find out more about their group in Hull, Holme on Spalding Moor, Bridlington, Woodmansey, Driffield, Goole, Haltemprice, Hornsea, Scunthorpe, and Winterton.

For Anyone:

Side by Side (Mind)

If going to a group feels scary, why not try an online peer support group such as Side by Side - Mind's online community.

The Samaritans

Going through some tough times, or find that things are getting to you and you're struggling to cope? Call the Samaritans free at any time from any UK phone by calling 116 123. They're open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Find out more on the Samaritans website.