The Friendly Bus receives funding to support community transport services

Shropshire-based charity The Friendly Bus has been awarded a £7,000 grant from the VINCI UK Foundation to support its vital community transport services in Broseley, Much Wenlock, and surrounding areas.

The charity, nominated by Freyssinet Limited’s Framework Coordinator Ginette Pardoe, plays a crucial role in reducing loneliness and isolation by enhancing mobility for vulnerable community members.

Providing a lifeline for many, The Friendly Bus offers transport for essential activities such as shopping trips, medical appointments, and social outings, including summer seaside excursions.

Specialist civil and structural contractor Freyssinet Limited, headquartered in Telford, is part of the VINCI Group and a proud supporter of the VINCI UK Foundation. Alongside other UK-based VINCI companies—including VINCI Construction UK, Bachy Soletanche, and NUVIA UK—Freyssinet contributes to the Foundation’s mission of supporting community projects.

Since its launch in 2016, the VINCI UK Foundation has awarded nearly £1.6 million in grants to 289 charities, providing both financial aid and hands-on support from its employees all over the UK.

The VINCI UK Foundation grant will contribute to The Friendly Bus’s ‘Buy-a-Bus’ campaign, which aims to purchase a fully accessible 16-seater minibus to meet the growing demand for its services. Currently, The Friendly Bus supports over 800 registered passengers, ensuring they can remain independent and socially connected.

Marie Monk-Hawksworth, Chief Executive Officer for The Friendly Bus said: "We are really grateful to Ginette and Freyssinet, for nominating us for this grant. It has made a substantial contribution to our ‘buy a bus’ campaign, which hopes to replace two, possibly three of our old minibuses.

"Having driven to many clubs, social outings or shopping trips, they're now costing us vast amounts in breakdowns and repairs - leaving some of our passengers without any way of getting out and about when they are off the road.

"We are also pleased both Ginette and her colleague Clare White will be supporting us to promote our fundraising campaign, which will be a big help."