Stagecoach Partners with Global’s Make Some Noise to Change Lives in Local Communities

Ever find yourself listening to the radio, maybe Capital or Heart, and hear about their charity work? Well, something pretty big was announced on 9 February 2026 that brings that world a little closer to home. Stagecoach, the company behind the local buses many people use every day, has just teamed up with Global’s Make Some Noise. This is the official charity of Global, the media company that runs some of the nation’s favourite radio stations, including LBC and Smooth. This new partnership is all about working together to change lives right here in our local communities.

Image source: Debra Goodwin and Suzanne Ryder Richardson

What's this all about then?

So, what does this actually mean? In simple terms, a bus company and a media charity are joining forces. Global’s Make Some Noise has a clear and powerful mission: to make sure that nobody has to face their biggest challenges all by themselves. It’s not about funding massive, nationwide organisations. Instead, the charity focuses its efforts on smaller, local groups that are doing incredible work on the ground. Think about the small charities and community groups in your own town – the ones that might not have a big advertising budget but provide essential lifelines to people who really need them.

These are the kinds of projects the partnership will support. They help in all sorts of situations. For example, they might fund a group that supports families when a loved one has a serious illness, or a project that helps teenagers struggling with their mental health. They also provide funding for refuges for people escaping domestic abuse and help those finding it hard to make ends meet. Since it started back in 2014, Global’s Make Some Noise has already helped transform the lives of over 227,000 people across the UK, which is a massive achievement. Now, with Stagecoach on board, that reach is set to grow even bigger.

A perfect fit for Yorkshire communities

This isn’t just some distant corporate deal; it has a real local focus. Stagecoach Yorkshire is a key part of this new initiative. It’s one thing for a company to say it cares, but it’s another when you know the people involved are part of the same community. The drivers, mechanics, and office staff at Stagecoach are local residents. They live in the same neighbourhoods and their kids go to the same schools. This connection is what makes the partnership so genuine.

Matt Kitchin, the Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, put it perfectly. He said:

“My team and I care deeply about our local communities because we are part of those communities, so we are delighted to be working with a charity partner who can bring essential help to some of the most vulnerable members of our local communities.”

This sentiment is at the core of the partnership. It’s about leveraging the presence of Stagecoach in towns and cities across Yorkshire to support life-changing projects right on their doorstep.

More than just buses

While the local angle is huge, this is a national partnership that will have an impact across the whole of the UK. Stagecoach operates in countless communities, from small villages to major cities, making them a perfect partner for a charity that wants to support grassroots projects everywhere. The decision to partner up wasn't random; it was based on shared beliefs.

Debra Goodwin, Chief Customer Officer at Stagecoach, explained the connection. She said:

“One of Stagecoach’s core values is ‘Supporting our Communities’ and this value also sits at the heart of Global’s Make Some Noise’s work, which is what makes the partnership such a perfect fit. Together, we know we can make a massive impact, both locally and nationally, supporting the communities across the UK that Stagecoach serves every day.”

This shared value is the engine driving the collaboration. It’s about two organisations seeing that they can achieve so much more by working together than they could alone. It reflects a modern way of thinking, where businesses see themselves as part of the fabric of society, with a responsibility to help create positive change.

Making a real difference together

The team at Global’s Make Some Noise is clearly thrilled to have Stagecoach on board. This isn't just about financial support; it’s about creating a powerful network for good. By joining forces, they can shine a light on even more small charities that are doing amazing things but might be struggling to get the attention or funding they need.

Suzanne Ryder Richardson, who is the Director of Goodness at Global’s Make Some Noise, shared her excitement about the new venture. She said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Stagecoach as a partner. By working together, we can support even more inspiring projects that provide vital lifelines in communities where they’re needed most - ensuring no-one has to face life’s toughest challenges alone. This partnership shows what’s possible when organisations come together to create lasting change.”

This new collaboration isn't happening in isolation. Stagecoach has a strong track record of supporting brilliant causes. Global’s Make Some Noise now joins an impressive list of national charity partners, including Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, Age UK, and the Royal British Legion. This shows a long-term commitment to making a positive impact, proving that this initiative is part of a much wider mission to support communities all over the country.