Transport for London (TfL) is partnering with Befriending Networks to mark Befriending Week, which takes place between 1 – 7 November, offering Londoners who may be feeling lonely a unique opportunity to meet new people and build new friendships while taking in views of London’s skyline.
Between 2-6 November, visitors participating in the Befriending Week cable car experience will share cabins with fellow ticket holders as they soar 90 metres above the River Thames. Designed to spark conversation and tackle social isolation, passengers are encouraged to exchange questions and stories during the journey.
This is the second year in a row that TfL has taken part in Befriending Week, with the Befriending Week experience on the cable car proving hugely popular last year. Each ticket includes a full round trip on the London Cable Car and a complimentary hot drink and can be booked here.
TfL is also partnering with the Volunteer Centre Greenwich at the Greenwich Peninsula Terminal to host a dedicated “Games and Connections” event on Monday 2 November aimed at bringing community members together with local befriending organisations in a relaxed, interactive setting. The event will include board games for guests to play in the Cable Car Experience café and is another way to help people to build new connections.
Danny Price, Director of Sponsored Services at TfL, said:
“Transport for London plays a vital role in keeping Londoners connected to the places and people they love. By bringing people together 90 metres above the Thames for Befriending Week on the London Cable Car, we hope to show how simple it can be to start a conversation and turn a daily journey into a meaningful connection.”
Liz Cutajar, Operations and Projects Manager at Visit Greenwich, said:
“Every day in Greenwich, we see the positive impact a befriender can have on someone’s life. If you’d like to make a real difference in your community, we’d love for you to come along and find out how you can give your time to support someone who could benefit from a friendly face and a listening ear.”
Londoners and visitors can still book a very special ride on the London Cable Car as Cable Car-aoke returns, following its successful first run last year. Two cabins have been transformed into disco ball karaoke booths, where passengers can sing their hearts out high above the Thames every Thursday and Friday evening until 16 October. Also, for passengers with a head for heights, the Glass Floor Experience offers a 360-degree view of the city from 90 metres above the Thames, with mirrored ceilings providing the perfect selfie setting.
