- Research reveals the acts of quiet heroism that make an established member of a community, with the North East crowning ‘the postie who never skips a house’ in first place
- Bus drivers were also hailed as unsung heroes – with 29% in the North East saying they make a real difference as a friendly face in the local community
- More than half (55%) feel there’s a strong sense of community in their local area
- Almost three-quarters (70%) feel the real heroes of their communities often go unnoticed.
From the posties braving all weathers to deliver our letters, to the bus drivers going the extra mile for passengers with heavy shopping bags, humble heroes are the backbone of North East communities.
A study of 2,000 UK adults found that, while celebrities and politicians often dominate the headlines, it’s the ordinary people doing small acts of kindness who hold our region’s neighbourhoods together.
But according to the research conducted by Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, almost three-quarters (70%) of those in the North East feel the real heroes of their communities often go unnoticed, despite being the quiet forces who make daily life kinder, safer and more connected.
And despite more than half of those (55%) feeling there’s a strong sense of community in their area, many feel volunteers (47%), young carers (45%), cleaners (41%) and public transport workers (29%) are among the humble heroes often under-appreciated.
Steve Walker, Managing Director at Stagecoach North East, said:
“Whether it’s one of our drivers helping an older adult with their shopping, or a volunteer coach teaching kids to play football every weekend, these are the pillars of our communities and have been for generations.
“And that’s exactly what drives us at Stagecoach, the determination to go the extra mile and give back to the community by saying, ‘we’ve got you’.
“These humble heroes don’t seek the spotlight, but without them, life in towns and cities across the UK would be far less connected, less caring and less human.”
The research also found that bus drivers were an unsung hero across the North East, with 51% saying they make a real difference as a friendly face in the local community. Many (69%) also believe buses are a vital part of the region’s communities, for their ability to connect vulnerable groups (27%) and reduce isolation (28%).
How recognition is changing
The definition of a ‘community hero’ has changed over the last 10 years, with 40% of those in the North East believing many now go under the radar without a digital presence.
In fact, over a quarter (27%) shared that online popularity is sometimes mistaken for genuine heroism, as 20% fear the term has become ‘overused’ and lost its true meaning.
Steve added:
“We’d like to shine a spotlight on the true humble heroes of today’s society; those who may not have hashtags or followers but are quietly changing lives and leaving a lasting impact on the people around them.
“Community spirit is the invisible thread that holds our towns and cities together. And reliable, accessible transport is the lifeline that keeps these pillars in contact with the people who need them most.
“Whether it’s a bus service linking residents to the high street, or safe cycle routes making it easier for families to visit the local park, transport enables connection and collaboration.
“Without it, the vibrancy of our communities can fade, as people find it harder to reach the places and people that matter most to them.”
Top 10 pillars of a modern community in the North East
From the everyday helpers to the quiet changemakers, here are the top 10 pillars of a modern North East community, the people and roles our community spirt thrives on:
- The postie who never skips a house—even in snow, storms or during the school run
- The allotment grower who leaves free veg out with a ‘help yourself’ sign
- The neighbour who always brings your bin in without fuss or fanfare
- The teen who volunteers to help pensioners with their tech
- The bus driver who helps you carry your shopping onto the bus
- The school crossing guard who remembers every kid’s name—and their dog’s
- The delivery driver who always leaves your parcel in a safe place
- The shop assistant who tells you, quietly, that something will be half price tomorrow
- The amateur baker who brings cakes to the community centre ‘just because’
- The corner shop owner who lets you off 20p when you’re short
