We try to build a foundation of trust and respect, to break down the barriers.
The visitors that come to the bus, come for company and to feel part of something within a society that rejects and ignores them. The homeless and the needy find warmth and comfort in its familiar surroundings.
The single-decker bus is used in Chesterfield and Matlock to give counselling, serve drinks and food, and offer clothes, blankets, toiletries and sleeping bags. It provides an area of calm and reflection where people can talk to volunteers and to each other to help them regain their self respect and move forward in their lives.
We also provide day to day support in areas such as help with housing applications, and we run weekly art classes in Chesterfield.
Did you know that:
- 3673 people slept rough at some point in London during 2009-2010
- 61% of rough sleepers are new, 27% have been rough sleeping for two or more years and 13% have returned to rough sleeping after a gap of a year or more
- 61% are aged between 25 and 45 years with only 9% under 25 and 30% over 45
Many have one or more support needs
- 50% alcohol
- 38% drugs
- mental health
- have been in prison at some point
- were in the armed forces at some point.