Donated bus stops help Liverpool City Region residents build confidence and independence

People living with dementia and visually impaired pupils are benefiting from donated bus infrastructure through a community project involving public and private organisations across the Liverpool City Region.

Bauer Media Outdoor has donated a traditional yellow bus stop post to Brushwood Care Home in Speke and a bus shelter to the Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool.

The donations form part of the company’s social value commitment through its partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

At Brushwood Care Home, the familiar bus stop setting has been created to support residents living with dementia.

Everyday features such as bus stops can provide reassurance, encourage conversation and offer residents a familiar and comforting place to sit outdoors.

Councillor Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Transport Committee and Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport, said: 

“These bus stops will make a real difference for young people at the Royal School for the Blind by helping them build the confidence and independence needed to access opportunities across the City Region. They will also provide a familiar and comforting space for care home residents living with dementia. It is a great example of how public procurement can deliver meaningful social value across the City Region.” 

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor William Shortall, said: 

“These bus stops are an excellent example of how partners across the Liverpool City Region are working together to improve accessibility and independence. By helping pupils build confidence in using public transport and creating a familiar environment for care home residents, this project will make a real difference to people’s everyday lives.” 

The idea was developed by care home manager Michelle Broley after staff noticed that residents living with dementia would frequently express a desire to “go home”.

With support from the Combined Authority, Bauer Media Outdoor and HA Civils, the idea was transformed into a realistic bus stop area within the care home grounds.

HA Civils donated its time and materials to prepare the site, including relaying groundwork, adding tarmac and marking out the area to resemble a genuine bus stop.

The company also supplied and installed Kassel kerbs, which are commonly used at bus stops to help vehicles pull closer to the pavement.

The bus stop was installed at Brushwood Care Home on July 8, with Bauer Media Outdoor providing the yellow bus stop flag and timetable.

Brushwood completed the space by adding yellow bench seating, supported by a donation from the family of a former resident.

The finished area now provides residents with a comfortable outdoor setting that can prompt memories, create opportunities for social interaction and offer a sense of familiarity.

The project is also helping pupils at the Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool, develop practical skills that will support them when travelling independently.

A donated bus shelter has been installed at the school to provide a safe and controlled environment where visually impaired children, young adults and adults can practise locating a stop, understanding travel information and waiting safely.

The shelter supports the school’s wider work to help pupils develop confidence and independence alongside their academic education.

It was installed at the Royal School for the Blind on July 30.

By bringing together the expertise and resources of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Bauer Media Outdoor, HA Civils and the two organisations, the project is creating lasting benefits for people who may face additional barriers when navigating everyday environments.

The donated infrastructure will help residents and pupils practise important skills, enjoy greater independence and feel more comfortable in settings they may encounter in daily life.

Vicki Dwyer, Headteacher of the Royal School for the Blind, said: 

“This bus stop will give our pupils a safe and familiar place to practise the skills they need to travel by bus. It will help them build confidence and develop greater independence.” 

The donations form part of the social value delivered through the Combined Authority’s procurement policies and its partnership with Bauer Media Outdoor, supporting projects that respond directly to the needs of local communities. 

Emma Lloyd, Portfolio Partnership Manager at Bauer Media Outdoor UK, said: 

“Outdoor infrastructure is part of everyday life, but in the right setting it can do much more than support a journey, it can help build confidence, independence, familiarity and connection. This project is a great example of social value in action, and of how collaboration between public and private partners can make a meaningful difference in local communities.” 

Tony Carney, Managing Director, HA Civils, said:  

“We were delighted to be a part of this initiative and the Combined Authority’s active travel mission. Our core value, ‘HA Means More,’ reflects our commitment to enhancing the local community through collaborative projects like these. By providing our services at no cost, we aim to not only support vital initiatives like those at the Royal School for the Blind to foster an environment where everyone can thrive. We believe that by working together, we can make a meaningful impact and help create spaces that promote independence and comfort for those in need.”