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 communities across the East of England.
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, parent of local operator Stagecoach East, three-quarters (76%) of those in the region 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 two-thirds (63%) feeling there’s a strong sense of community in their area, around a third feel young carers (37%), volunteers (36%), and cleaners and care takers (34%) are too often ignored.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, said: “Many of the pillars of our communities, our everyday local humble heroes, are the ones we’ve known for generations.
“Friendly posties, bus drivers and school crossing guards have been key to many happy communities for decades. They’re the ones who make the small acts of kindness that have a big impact in the community.
“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.”
A helping hand and a friendly face – the makings of a humble hero in the East
Checking in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours (51%), being a familiar face who always says hello (42%), and being the person everyone knows they can rely on in a pinch (40%), were voted the top three things that make an established member of our community.
The research also found another unsung hero across the East: bus drivers, with 61% saying they make a real difference as a friendly face in the local community. In total, 77% also believe buses are a vital part of communities in the East, for their ability to provide reliable transport (54%) and enable safe travel (47%).
Top 20 pillars of a modern community
From the everyday helpers to the quiet changemakers, here are the top 20 pillars of a modern community, in the East, 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 school crossing guard who remembers every kid’s name—and their dog’s
- The teen who volunteers to help pensioners with their tech
- The neighbour who always brings your bin in without fuss or fanfare
- The delivery driver who always leaves your parcel in a safe place
- The allotment grower who leaves free veg out with a ‘help yourself’ sign
- The bus driver who helps you carry your shopping onto the bus
- The corner shop owner who lets you off 20p when you’re short
- The amateur baker who brings cakes to the community centre ‘just because’
- The shop assistant who tells you, quietly, that something will be half price tomorrow
- The guy who always has jump leads and never minds being asked
- The person who starts local WhatsApp groups and keeps everyone in the loop
- The dog walker who always has spare poo bags for forgetful pet parents
- The barber who knows your life story and never tells a soul
- The parent who always remembers extra sun cream
- The local DJ who DJs every wedding, christening and street party for the love of it
- The person at the gym who gives you a cheer when you’re clearly struggling
- The librarian who never fines you for late returns
- The street artist who turns drab underpasses into colour and character
- The barista who never charges you for an extra shot