Self-care isn’t always something we do alone. Sometimes it’s our communities that make it possible.

As we approach National Self Care Day, (24/07) much of the conversation understandably focuses on the importance of looking after our own health and wellbeing. But self-care doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

For many, particularly older people or those living with mobility challenges, maintaining wellbeing often depends on staying connected to the routines, places and people that give life structure and meaning.

As we work across Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster we see that every day.

A journey on the Shopper Bus isn’t just about buying groceries. It’s about maintaining independence, seeing familiar faces and enjoying a conversation along the way.

An excursion is more than a day out. It’s an opportunity to experience something new, share time with others and create memories together.

The community groups we support are doing exactly the same. Every week, local charities, lunch clubs, friendship groups and activity providers create welcoming spaces where people can meet, reconnect and quietly look out for one another.

That quiet, everyday care is one of the greatest strengths of our communities.

Sometimes it’s noticing that someone hasn’t attended their usual group.

Sometimes it’s asking, “How have you been?”

These ordinary moments can be the foundations of good mental wellbeing.

Our own experience reflects this. Before using our services, 62% of passengers said they felt lonely or isolated at least some of the time. Encouragingly, 88% said that travelling with us helped prevent those feelings.

These figures remind us that transport is more than getting from A to B. It supports wellbeing.

This National Self Care Day, we’re celebrating not only the importance of looking after ourselves, but also the people, organisations and volunteers who quietly help make that possible every day.