Train to Derry transformed into Chatty Carriage to help tackle loneliness

A Train from Coleraine to Derry recently had one carriage transformed into a 'Chatty Carriage' to help tackle loneliness this festive season.

Translink has teamed up with the Causeway Loneliness Network along with the social work team and mental health practitioners within Causeway GP Federation to host Chatty Carriages, a socially engaging event aimed at helping those who may be isolated to feel more confident at using services and helping them build friendships and community connections.

The pilot scheme developed by the Causeway Loneliness Network saw 14 participants plus volunteers accompanied on a train journey from Coleraine to the North West Transport Hub in Derry.

All those involved were on board a carriage dedicated to the group which enabled them to chat, ask questions and find out more about access to timetables, Smartpasses and up to date travel information to help build their confidence and independence.

On arrival the group enjoyed tea and coffee as well as musical performances, including from Derry's very own Pink Ladies. 

They were also given a tour of the station and Translink’s Safety bus team provided safe travel tips to help enhance their journey experience.

Commenting on the pilot scheme, Jane Reynolds, Primary Care Mental Health Manager, at Causeway GP Federation and a member of Causeway Loneliness Network, said, “Loneliness and isolation is a big issue, but there are small steps that people can take or encourage their loved ones to do which help to build essential social connections. 

"The Chatty Carriages initiative is a simple way to encourage more people to utilise their local bus and rail services and to have the confidence to do so by familiarising them with aspects many of us take for granted, such as how to get a ticket and where to find passenger information."

Thelma Dillon, Chair of the Causeway Loneliness Network, added, “Access to public transport is a great facilitator for social engagement and so much more than taking people from A to B. 

"It helps get people to appointments, social groups, and to visit friends and family, but people also build their routines around their journeys and use it as an opportunity to have a chat with other passengers and staff, many of whom they get to know and look forward to seeing regularly. 

"This is why the Chatty Carriages project is such a great opportunity to bring people together and help them make their own connections going forward.”

The Pink Ladies were at the NW Transport Hub ready to greet and sing for the passengers when they arrived in Derry

Jacquie Loughrey, from Derry's Pink Ladies said they were honoured to be asked to be a part of the initiative, "We were invited to take part in this project and were over the moon to be asked," she said.

"This can be such a lonely time and we love singing at this time of year to cheer people up. 

"We know all about being lonely and needing a good pick me up, and singing is so good for mental health and wellbeing. The people we met that day were so warm and welcoming, they were really lovely and we wish them well with their Chatty carriages."  

The partners plan to take learnings from the Chatty Carriages pilot group with a view to planning further events.

Lending support, Mark Montgomery, Route Manager, Northern Area at Translink, said the initiative was an important opportunity to help those who feel isolated, saying, “We’re very aware of the role public transport has in connecting people, whether it’s for work, school, visiting friends or simply getting out more. The Chatty Carriages programme is a great way to remind people of the benefits of using bus and rail for convenient, hassle free journeys and for the opportunity to engage with more people and tackle loneliness.”

Yvonne Carson Lead for Loneliness, NHSCT added, “I’m delighted that Causeway Loneliness Network has developed this new innovative initiative to help address isolation and loneliness. It builds on our other work in the development including Chatty Benches, Chatty Cafes, the Kindness Postbox and Human Libraries."