EVERYDAY heroes who keep Britain’s communities going have been named – from the postie who never misses a round to the WhatsApp group admin who keeps everyone updated.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the “humble heroes” who keep villages, towns and cities across the UK ticking.
Bus drivers, school crossing guards and even teens helping pensioners with tech made the list.
Three in ten also praised allotment growers who leave out free veg with a “help yourself” sign as vital members of society.
And more than half said simply checking in on elderly neighbours can make someone a pillar of the community.
It’s the small acts of kindness that make the biggest difference, according to the poll, with 43 per cent valuing a familiar face who always says hello, and another 43 per cent backing people who are reliable when you need them most.
Sam Greer, chief operating officer at Stagecoach, 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’.”
The research also highlighted how much Brits value independent businesses.
Nearly seven in ten said local shopkeepers and business owners are crucial to happy communities, especially those who go the extra mile to help their customers.
Examples included the corner shop boss who lets you off 20p when you’re short, and the amateur baker who whips up cakes for the community centre “just because”.
Even tiny gestures count – with some Brits admitting they’re grateful to the gym-goer who gives them a cheer when they’re flagging, or the dog walker who always has spare poo bags to hand.
Buses themselves were celebrated as vital lifelines, with 73 per cent of people saying they are essential to their area.
They’re seen as connecting vulnerable groups, reducing isolation, and helping people reach family and friends.
A friendly bus driver can also make a world of difference, with six in ten saying drivers have a positive impact by offering a helping hand or simply being a cheerful face.
But the study also showed how the meaning of “community hero” is changing.
Nearly half believe many heroes now go under the radar because they don’t have a digital presence, and more than a third think social media “likes” are often mistaken for genuine heroism.
Almost three quarters of Brits said real heroes often go unnoticed or uncelebrated – a sign, according to Stagecoach, that more needs to be done to recognise the people who keep neighbourhoods connected.
Sam added:“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 20 PILLARS OF A MODERN COMMUNITY:
1. The postie who never skips a house—even in snow, storms or during the school run
2. The school crossing guard who remembers every kid’s name—and their dog’s
3. The teen who volunteers to help pensioners with their tech
4. The neighbour who always brings your bin in without fuss or fanfare
5. The delivery driver who always leaves your parcel in a safe place
6. The allotment grower who leaves free veg out with a ‘help yourself’ sign
7. The bus driver who helps you carry your shopping onto the bus
8. The corner shop owner who lets you off 20p when you’re short
9. The amateur baker who brings cakes to the community centre ‘just because’
10. The shop assistant who tells you, quietly, that something will be half price tomorrow
11. The person who starts local WhatsApp groups and keeps everyone in the loop
12. The guy who always has jump leads and never minds being asked
13. The dog walker who always has spare poo bags for forgetful pet parents
14. The barber who knows your life story and never tells a soul
15. The person at the gym who gives you a cheer when you’re clearly struggling
16. The librarian who never fines you for late returns
17. The parent who always remembers extra sun cream
18. The street artist who turns drab underpasses into colour and character
19. The barista who never charges you for an extra shot
20. The local DJ who plays every wedding, christening, and street party for the love of it
