Stagecoach South Wales has once again partnered with Age Cymru, to host another Grand Day Out, bringing together 18 individuals aged 60 plus for a day filled with connection, exploration, and enjoyment.
Building on the success of previous events, the initiative has continued to make a meaningful impact in the South Wales community. Last week, participants embarked on their journey via a Stagecoach bus from Pontypridd Bus Station to the Rhondda Heritage Park.
The day’s itinerary featured an engaging guided tour of the Rhondda Heritage Mine, and a delicious lunch at the park to add to the day’s celebrations, leaving attendees with memories to last a lifetime.
Since the launch of Grand Days Out, it has become a rewarding staple in our operations and is a fantastic opportunity to not only provide a fun and memorable day for our participants but also to address important issues like loneliness and isolation.
It demonstrates how public transport can bring people together and positively impact their lives. We’re thrilled to see its success.
Reflecting on the event, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Wales Martin Gibbon
It’s been wonderful working with Stagecoach South Wales on this amazing initiative that brings older people together for a sociable day out.
As well as providing exercise and body strengthening, another important part of our healthy ageing programme is to encourage older people to socialise and have a chat over a cuppa after. The day was very well organised and everyone absolutely loved it. We’re already getting questions about when the next ‘Grand Day Out’ will be and where we’ll be going!
Amy Lloyd, Physical Activity Officer at Age Cymru
We’re going on the Grand Day Out and we’re going to re-connect with our past. Thanks to Stagecoach and Age Cymru we’re going to the Heritage Park Museum to put us back in touch with where we’ve come from.
It’s been excellent. I’ve really, really enjoyed it. It’s been informative, and we’ve had a chance to connect with each other. We turned up at the bus station and the wonderful coach was absolutely super.
Robert Morgan, one of the attendees, expressed his excitement for the day
Participants also highlighted the convenience of their over-60s bus pass, noting, “It’s so much easier to use a bus pass. You don’t have to worry about parking, and it’s free — you can’t go wrong!”
This scheme underscores Stagecoach’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of older people by fostering connection, combatting isolation, and promoting health and happiness. Through events like The Grand Days Out initiative, Stagecoach South Wales and Age Cymru continue to strengthen community bonds and demonstrate the vital role public transport can play in enriching lives.
Watch the complete ‘Grand Day Out’ video here:
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