Pembrokeshire’s Bus Buddies provide a friendly face and support for people who find it difficult to travel alone by public or community transport, helping to tackle loneliness and brighten people’s days. The project is becoming more and more popular, so we are now looking for new volunteers to join the team.

One of our passengers, Joan, lives in the Saundersfoot area. After suffering strokes which affected her mobility and speech, Joan wanted to continue to do the things she enjoys - shopping, being around others, meeting people and attending groups and meetings. We introduced Joan to our volunteer Bus Buddy, Steven, last August and they have since forged a great friendship, going by bus to Haverfordwest and Milford Haven to enjoy a day out, shopping, having lunch and doing much more than Joan would be able to do without support.

Joan is no stranger to community projects - she was co-founder of Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Enterprise and Development (PLANED) and Bloomfield Centre, Narberth, until her retirement in 2009 and was awarded both an MBE and OBE for her services to the local community.

Joan told us: “In my working career it gave me huge satisfaction to see people taking action to help others in their communities. Now the tides have changed and I am seeing first-hand the benefits of the Bus Buddies community project. Steven, my Bus Buddy, is great, we get on really well, he makes me laugh, he helps me communicate with others and more than anything he helps me enjoy my days out.”

Steven said: “Having retired and moved to Pembrokeshire, I was keen to use some of my time to help others. I cared for my elderly mother, so I know first-hand what a difference a friendly face and spending quality time with someone can make, especially to people who find it difficult to get out and about.”

PACTO are looking for more volunteers to help people like Joan.

“It may be the easiest way to make the biggest difference to someone. We are looking for volunteers throughout Pembrokeshire particularly in the Saundersfoot, Kilgetty, Tenby, Narberth and Pembroke/Dock areas where we have people waiting for support. The volunteer role is very flexible and if you think you might be able to help, call us on 01437 770119 or email [email protected],” said Angela Good who is co-ordinating the project.

Bus Buddies is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.