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A recent initiative in South Liverpool brought a group of older residents together for a day trip to the seaside, aimed at combating loneliness, enhancing wellbeing, and fostering social connections. Eighteen participants took part in the visit to Southport, which was arranged through a collaboration between SWAGGA Primary Care Network (PCN), Liverpool City Council’s Neighbourhood team, and supported by Arriva. This project emerged from discussions at the 2026 Speke Garston Partners’ Conference, where stakeholders emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for isolated older adults to reconnect with their communities.
The outing began at the SWAGGA Garston Wellbeing Hub, where residents enjoyed tea and toast before boarding the bus. Throughout the journey, organisers engaged everyone with activities such as bingo, music quizzes, and games. The group was provided with packed lunches courtesy of Garston’s elected representatives. Upon arrival in Southport, the day included classic seaside experiences like eating fish and chips, a leisurely walk around the town, and participating in a scavenger hunt. While the setting of the coast contributed to the enjoyment, organisers highlighted that the main benefits came from the social interactions and confidence gained by participants, many of whom might not usually have the chance to meet others in such an environment.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, emphasized the broader significance of the event: “Loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health, particularly for older people. That’s why opportunities like this are so important.” He further noted that the initiative was about more than just a pleasant outing, stating: “It’s about helping people build friendships, reconnect with their community and improve their wellbeing in a relaxed and supportive environment.” He praised the collaborative effort making these trips possible and expressed enthusiasm for their continuation in the future.
Gina Barnett, Managing Director of SWAGGA Primary Care Network, reflected on the meaningful nature of the trip, saying it brought together individuals experiencing loneliness to share connection and joy. She recognized the strength of the partnership between Arriva UK, Liverpool City Council, and local councillors in supporting wellbeing holistically. Similarly, Tom Sunley, Operations Director at Arriva Merseyside, described the day as “so much more than a great day out,” emphasizing that the trips align with Arriva’s values. He praised Neil Atherton, Arriva’s social values coordinator, for helping create something special alongside the community partners. Participants expressed gratitude for the chance to get out, meet new people, and enjoy well-organized activities, with many hoping to join future outings. The initial success of the pilot trip has encouraged the organisers and Arriva to commit to running these excursions quarterly, aiming to benefit more elderly residents in South Liverpool by supporting social engagement and healthy ageing
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