All aboard the happy bus!

That's the message from a charity group that is aiming to drive down loneliness and encourage people to get involved in its weekly activities.

Dereham Meeting Point, a charity that offers food and company to those in Dereham, has announced the start of a new project to bring people to its centre with the help of a "happy bus".

The purchase of the minibus, which has been 10 years in the making, means that people who visit the centre on St Withburga Lane can be picked up and dropped off without relying on their own means of transport.

Those volunteering at the Dereham Meeting Point are excited to share the new bus service to help bring others to its activities.Those volunteering at the Dereham Meeting Point are excited to share the new bus service to help bring others to its activities. (Image: Dereham Meeting Point)

The charity has been operating for nearly 40 years and provides food and activities at its centre for those who are disabled, as well as those who are over 55, to meet and socialise.

Some of the activities the group offers include bingo, darts and line dancing but it relies on members getting to the centre through their own means, which, for those who live more rurally, can be difficult.

However, the group is now able to go and pick them up with the help of its new 11-seater and plans to run the route as far as Bradenham and Shipdham, depending on the uptake. 

Shonette Mooney, the charity's manager, said: "Despite our efforts over the last 10 years, we failed to get grants for this project, that was until January this year.  

"With the help of a local philanthropist, Harriet Green, and some small donations from others, it has been made possible for us to purchase a minibus.

"And our volunteer drivers seem really up for it as well."

Ms Mooney added: "There was a lady we had who hadn't been out the house in three years until someone had actually brought her in."

The bus will take on its maiden journey on October 28.The bus will take on its maiden journey on October 28. (Image: Dereham Meeting Point) The bus will also help people who have anxiety when it comes to traveling on public transport.

Ms Mooney said: "If they're on the bus, they'll have facilitators to assist them and make sure they have a safe journey."  

The bus will take its maiden trip on Monday, October 28 and people can contact Dereham Meeting Point to arrange a pick up on 01362 698866.