The partnership launched with a Variety Sunshine Coach donated to Hadrian’s School in South Shields. The 17-seater coach, equipped with a tail-lift, will provide essential transport to more than 250 children aged 3 to 11 with special educational needs and disabilities, helping them access school trips, learning opportunities and experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. 

To celebrate the handover, Bellway welcomed 10 pupils and staff from Hadrian’s School to their Woolsington House office, Newcastle upon Tyne. The morning included a creative arts and crafts session, showcasing impressive creations, followed by speeches from Bellway CEO Jason Honeyman and Variety CEO Laurence Guinness. The visit ended on a high note with lunch and ice cream.

Jason Honeyman, Chief Executive at Bellway said, “Today marks a proud milestone for Bellway as we launch our national charity partnership with Variety.

The presentation of this first Bellway-funded Sunshine Coach to Hadrian’s 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. Partnering with Bellway Homes – a company so deeply rooted in building communities – is a natural and powerful fit. 

“Bellway’s support will help create 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.”

Hadrian’s School is looking forward to using the new coach to support a wide range of learning experiences outside the classroom. These include weekly swimming lessons, library visits, farm trips, choir performances, rock pool education visits and journeys for the school’s Nurture Group, which supports children who experience challenges with social skills and relationship-building. 

Headteacher of Hadrian’s School, Scott Brown said: 

“Create, discover, empower – these values sit at the heart of our school. A Sunshine Coach will allow us to bring those words to life by opening endless opportunities for exploration and enriched learning.

We are incredibly grateful to Variety and Bellway for their support. This coach will make a huge difference to the experiences and opportunities available to our children.”

This Sunshine Coach donation is the first step in what promises to be a meaningful partnership between Variety and Bellway Homes. Over the next 18 months, Bellway colleagues will raise vital funds to help Variety support thousands more disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK, ensuring they have access to the opportunities every child deserves.