Bellway backs Variety with Sunshine Coach

A North East housebuilder is launching a new charity partnership with a donation aimed at supporting young people across the country.

Bellway has presented a 17-seater Sunshine Coach to children’s charity Variety, marking the start of a national partnership between the two organisations. 

The vehicle was handed over at the company’s Newcastle headquarters and will be used by Hadrian Primary School in South Shields.

Scott Brown, headteacher at Hadrian Primary School, said the coach would be used for a range of trips including visits to libraries, farms, the seaside and local education programmes, as well as transporting pupils to weekly swimming lessons, which is especially important given many do not swim and lack access to lessons outside school.

Scott said: “Our school thrives to empower all pupils with the skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. 

“A Sunshine Coach will allow us to do that by creating an endless list of opportunities through exploration and enriched learning experiences.

“We have a large percentage of pupils that will directly benefit from accessible transport, and we feel that providing each of these pupils with the same opportunities as their peers is essential. 

“This would be made possible by a Sunshine Coach and its impact on the daily lives of all pupils cannot be underestimated.”

The initiative forms part of Bellway’s wider commitment to supporting disadvantaged and disabled children, with the partnership set to fund further equipment, opportunities and development programmes.

This is the first additional national charity partnership for Bellway since it began supporting Cancer Research UK a decade ago, during which time it has raised more than £5.1 million.

Fundraising is already underway, with staff taking part in events including a variety show and a half marathon, alongside further initiatives planned throughout the year.

The partnership is expected to build on these efforts, helping to create new opportunities for young people across the country.

Jason Honeyman, chief executive at Bellway, added: “Today marks a proud milestone for Bellway as we celebrate the launch of our new national charity partnership with Variety. 

“The presentation of this first Bellway-funded Sunshine Coach to Hadrian Primary School in South Shields is a wonderful example of what we can achieve together, helping children access opportunities and experiences they might otherwise miss.

“Building and enriching local communities sits at the heart of what we do, and we are delighted to be working alongside Laurence and the Variety team.”

Laurence Guinness, chief executive at Variety, added: “At Variety, our mission is to provide vulnerable children with the support they need to reach their full potential, so partnering with Bellway, which is so deeply rooted in building communities, is a natural and powerful fit.

“Bellway’s support will enable us to build a foundation of independence and opportunity for many more disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK. 

“This partnership will have a profound and lasting impact on thousands of young lives, and we are incredibly grateful for Bellway’s commitment to our mission.”

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