Arriva’s Christian Obray describes a visit to Chatham Town Football Club

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Loneliness is something nobody should ever have to feel, it is for that reason that we have been partners with a group, recently renamed to ‘Circle of Friends’, who make it their mission to ensure loneliness in the elderly is a thing of the past.

We have organised many day trips out with the group, heading to the seaside, a quaint village, crazy golf, chocolate making and much more! The latest trip was to local football club Chatham Town FC, they were holding their annual community day, and the group were keen on attending and enjoying the day out as a group.

Setting off at 8.30am to pick them up by bus from Maidstone Town Centre, the groups bespoke bus then dropped them off at the turnstile of the stadium, ready to enjoy the day (with sweets in hand).

All 16 of the group made their way inside the stadium together alongside their two fantastic volunteer leaders Wendy & Diane, they headed inside Bobbys Bar to start the day with a cup of coffee which was provided free of charge by the club.

The group were then shortly joined by the local Mayor who, after a quick group photo, invited them over to the newly renovated tennis courts for their official opening proceeded by a quick game or two afterwards. Once the court was opened and the group had lost enough tennis balls they headed back inside for a tour of the grounds and a bite to eat.

Following lunch a few of the group then mingled with the first team players as well as some of the local sponsors, mainly a local bike group and the fire brigade, before going on a tour of the boardroom which provides an amazing view over the whole of the stadium and pitch.

After the tour the whole group attended a Q+A session in the bar area with members of both the men and women’s first team ready to answer all manner of questions. The group really got to experience a full day out together, allowing them not just a chance to catch up and have a chat with their friends but to also socialise with others and make new friends both young and old.

The whole group exists to provide people an outlet than they wouldn’t otherwise have, by helping to organise day trips, using regular service vehicles, we are able to provide the group with some logistical help to ensure their day runs as smoothly as possible. I usually attend on the day to act as the groups transport guide and I have been officially adopted now as a full-time member of the Circle of Friends group.

Friendships and connectivity are key to ensuring someone is happy and feels seen, I am privileged to be able to say that we are helping people feel a little bit less alone in the world.

So, the next time you are on the bus why not ask someone how they are and make your own circle of friends group during your trip. You never know, that one question could mean the absolutely world to someone.