At Stagecoach, we believe in supporting not only the journeys our passengers take, but also the incredible journeys our staff embark on in their personal lives. Jason, one of our dedicated bus drivers, embodies this spirit of giving back to the community through his work at the Littlehampton & District Foodbank.
Jason’s story began back in January 2015, when he first started volunteering at the foodbank. He was introduced to the organisation through his now-wife, Hazel, the foodbank’s manager, whom he married seven years ago. Hazel’s involvement in the foodbank has always been a full-time career, and it was her passion and support that encouraged Jason to get involved. What started as a way to spend more time with Hazel soon became a deeply rewarding experience for Jason, who has been a regular volunteer for nearly a decade.
Before Jason found the foodbank, he was in a difficult place himself. Struggling with debt, he was able to turn his financial situation around through the support of Christians Against Poverty (CAP), an organisation that partners with the foodbank. Today, Jason uses his own experience to help others facing similar struggles, offering them the same guidance and support he once received.
In October 2023, Jason joined the Stagecoach team as a bus driver. As a lifelong transport enthusiast, Jason says this role is a perfect fit, allowing him to combine his love for driving with his passion for helping people. "I've always loved transport since I was a child, so when the opportunity came up, I knew I had to take it," he shares.
But Jason’s work doesn't stop at the bus depot. When available, he volunteers at the Littlehampton & District Foodbank, where he helps provide food and support to local families in crisis. For Jason, it’s an opportunity to give back to the same community that supported him through difficult times.
“Getting involved with the foodbank was the best decision I made,” Jason reflects. “Not only have I been able to help people get back on their feet, but I’ve found that I get just as much out of it as the people I’m helping.”
Since its inception, the Littlehampton & District Foodbank has made a significant impact. In 2023 alone, they provided three days' worth of emergency food to 3,109 people from 713 households. Over a third of those helped were children. While the rising cost of essentials is the most common reason people need the foodbank, many also seek help due to primary debts like mortgages, rent, and utilities. Thanks to donations from the community, the foodbank was able to receive 36.7 tonnes of food and distribute more than 37 tonnes that year.
So far in 2024, the foodbank has provided emergency food for more than 2,200 people, with many clients needing to visit only twice, thanks to the signposting of additional support services. The foodbank, which works in association with TurningTides, plays a vital role in addressing the root causes of financial hardship, ensuring that families don’t just receive temporary relief but also long-term solutions.
As part of Stagecoach’s Giving for Good initiative, supporting the communities we serve and sharing their success with local people and communities by funding the work of local, national and international charities. We continue to make a significant contribution towards the communities by donating 0.5% of pre-tax profits to charitable and community causes each year, such as the Trussell Trust, who support a nationwide network of food banks, including the Littlehampton & District Foodbank.
At Stagecoach, we’re proud to support staff like Jason in their charitable work. Jason’s dedication to both driving buses and serving his community reflects our values, and we are committed to promoting the causes our staff are passionate about across our channels.
To learn more or get involved with the Littlehampton & District Foodbank, you can reach out to them at https://littlehamptondistrict.foodbank.org.uk/ or via email at [email protected].