A group of older residents from South Liverpool enjoyed a day at the seaside as part of a community initiative helping to tackle loneliness, improve wellbeing and bring people together.
The trip, organised by SWAGGA Primary Care Network (PCN) and Liverpool City Council’s Neighbourhood team, in partnership with Arriva, took 18 residents to Southport for a day of companionship, conversation and shared experiences. The initiative was developed following discussions at the Speke Garston Partners’ Conference 2026, where partners committed to creating more opportunities for older people who may be feeling isolated to reconnect with their community.
Following the success of the first outing, Arriva has pledged to support similar trips on a quarterly basis, enabling even more residents to benefit.
The day began at the SWAGGA Garston Wellbeing Hub, where participants were welcomed with tea and toast before boarding the bus. Throughout the journey, organisers kept spirits high with bingo, music quizzes and games, while packed lunches were provided by Garston’s elected members. Once in Southport, the group enjoyed fish and chips, a stroll through the town and a scavenger hunt.
While the seaside setting made for a memorable day, organisers say the real impact came from the friendships formed, conversations shared and confidence gained by residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity to socialise.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“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.
“This is about much more than a day out. It’s about helping people build friendships, reconnect with their community and improve their wellbeing in a relaxed and supportive environment. It’s fantastic to see organisations working together to make a real difference to people’s lives, and I’m delighted these trips will continue so more residents can benefit.”
Gina Barnett, Managing Director at SWAGGA Primary Care Network, said:
“What looked like a simple day trip to Southport became something far more meaningful, bringing together people experiencing loneliness to share connection, joy, and belonging. In partnership with Arriva UK, Liverpool City Council, and our fantastic local councillors, it’s a powerful reminder that when services work together, we can support not just physical health, but wellbeing in its fullest sense.”
Tom Sunley, Arriva Merseyside Operations Director said:
“This was so much more than a great day out. It was a reminder of what buses are really for and what we at Arriva stand for.
“Seeing people who may not often get the chance to leave their neighbourhood enjoying a trip to Southport, meeting new people and coming home with beaming smiles on their faces is exactly why we do this work.
“Neil Atherton, our social values coordinator, has built something genuinely special with SWAGGA, Liverpool City Council and the NHS team.”
Residents said the trip gave them the chance to get out of the house, meet new people and enjoy spending time together.
One attendee described the trip as “a very pleasant day, professionally organised,” adding: “Staff were brilliant and we were well looked after. I would definitely come again.”
Another participant said: “Meeting new people was great too. Let’s hope we have more.”
The activities on the journey also helped bring everyone together. One resident said: “Enjoyed the quizzes, bingo and raffles… it was a good laugh, and they really understood the needs of the older generation.”
For many, the day represented much more than a trip to the seaside. “Great to get out for the day,” one resident said, while another described it as “an experience to remember.”
The success of the pilot demonstrates the value of community partnerships in supporting healthy ageing, reducing loneliness and creating opportunities for older people to stay active, connected and engaged.
With Arriva now committed to running the trips on a regular basis, organisers hope many more residents across South Liverpool will enjoy the benefits of spending time together, building new friendships and feeling more connected to their community.
