In and around the parishes of Kirklington near Bedale, you might’ve spotted something bright, bold and pink cruising along. That’s the HECK! Community Pink Bus, a lifeline for those living in rural isolation.
Since its launch, the HECK! Community Bus has supported over 200 people, offering lifts to local markets, social events, school outings and scenic drives through the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. It’s been a game-changer for many living in villages where public transport is limited or non-existent. But, now we need your help to keep it going!
Peter Wright, known to many from Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, is a proud ambassador for the HECK! bus. He’s seen first-hand the powerful effect it’s had on local lives.
“Rural loneliness isn’t just about being alone,” says Peter. “It’s about being cut off - physically, emotionally and socially. I’ve seen elderly people who’ve gone days without speaking to another soul. This bus helps people reconnect. It brings back dignity and joy.”
And the stats back this up: at the recent North Yorkshire Rural Health and Care Summit, it was revealed that more than one in five rural residents feel frequently lonely, with lack of transport being one of the biggest challenges.
Volunteer drivers are at the heart of the HECK! bus scheme. People like Colin Blanchard, a Trustee of Local charity, The Dales Centre, have seen just how impactful the service can be.
“I’ve recently taken guests out for trips to Richmond and Fountains Abbey,” says Colin. “Some people have lived in Masham their whole lives and never visited beauty spots that are just within a few miles of them.”
HECK!’s Community Ambassador, Becky Keeble, is incredibly proud of what the bus has achieved so far. “It’s more than a lift,” says Becky. “It gives people a sense of belonging. We’re all about bringing people together through food, and this is just another way of connecting with our community. But we need more volunteer drivers to help us reach even more people. Even a couple of hours a month could make a huge difference.”
If you can spare some time to help us drive the bus and keep the wheels turning, we’d love to hear from you.
To find out more or to volunteer, please email sausages@heckfood.co.uk or give us a call on 01845 567 709. Together, we can make sure no one gets left behind!
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