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Community spirit in South Wales is thriving…and it’s fuelled by everyday, humble heroes

Team @ AberdareOnline09 mins

Research reveals the acts of quiet heroism that make an established member of a
community, with South Wales crowning the ‘neighbour that brings the bins in without
a fuss or fanfare in first place
 Bus drivers were also hailed as unsung heroes – with 63% in South Wales saying
they make a real difference as a friendly face in the local community

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 in South Wales.
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 (72%) of those in South Wales feel the real heroes of their
communities often go unnoticed, despite being the quiet forces who make daily life kinder,
safer and more connected.

Stagecoach South Wales Managing Director, Martin Gibbon said:
“Many of the pillars of our communities in South Wales, 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 South Wales humble hero
Checking in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours (46%), 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 a South Wales
community.
The research also found another unsung hero across South Wales: bus drivers, with 71%
saying they make a real difference as a friendly face in the local community. Many 58% also
believe buses are a vital part of South Wales communities, for their ability to connect
vulnerable groups 35% and reduce isolation (33%).
How recognition is changing
The definition of a ‘community hero’ has changed over the last 10 years, with almost half
(39%) of those in South Wales believing many now go under the radar without a digital
presence.
“We want to change the narrative, and shine a spotlight on the true, humble heroes of
today’s society – the people who are quietly changing lives,” explains Martin
“The neighbour who checks in on someone living alone, the bus driver who waits for an
elderly passenger and the teen who helps pensioners with their tech – they don’t always
have hashtags or followers, but they have something far more important: 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 20 pillars of a modern community in South Wales
From the everyday helpers to the quiet changemakers, here are the top 20 pillars of a
modern South Wales community, the people and roles our community spirt thrives on:

  1. The postie who never skips a house—even in snow, storms or during the school run
  2. The neighbour who always brings your bin in without fuss or fanfare
  3. The school crossing guard who remembers every kid’s name—and their dog’s
  4. The teen who volunteers to help pensioners with their tech
  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 parent who always remembers extra sun cream
  17. The street artist who turns drab underpasses into colour and character
  18. The barista who never charges you for an extra shot
  19. The local DJ who plays every wedding, christening and street party for the love of it
  20. The librarian who never fines you for a late return

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