South West community spirit thrives thanks to humble local heroes

The South West’s local togetherness is alive and well and it’s thanks to the everyday acts of kindness carried out by ordinary people.

A study of 2000 UK adults has revealed that residents see “the postie who never skips a house” as the region’s top humble hero, followed closely by bus drivers, school crossing guards and volunteers who quietly make daily life better.

The research, commissioned by Stagecoach South-West, found that almost two-thirds (59%) of people in the South West believe there is a strong sense of community where they live.

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However, nearly three-quarters (71%) feel the real heroes in their neighbourhoods often go unnoticed.

Small gestures were voted as the hallmarks of a true community figure: checking in on elderly neighbours (61%), being a familiar friendly face (47%), and being someone locals can rely on in a pinch (40%).

Bus drivers in particular were praised, with 57% of residents saying they make a real difference as friendly and reliable members of the community.

Many also highlighted the vital role buses play in reducing isolation and helping vulnerable people stay connected.

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach South West, said:
“Friendly posties, bus drivers and school crossing guards have been key to many happy communities for decades. These humble heroes don’t seek the spotlight, but without them, life in towns and cities would be far less connected, less caring and less human.”

The research also revealed changing attitudes to what makes a community hero.

Almost half (47%) believe that without a digital presence, many humble heroes go under the radar, while 38% feel online popularity is sometimes mistaken for genuine community impact.

For South West residents, though, it’s clear that true heroes are not on social media feeds, they’re the neighbours, drivers and carers helping to hold communities together every day.