An award-winning charity providing healthcare to people experiencing homelessness across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is expanding its reach thanks to support from Bournemouth Water.
The HealthBus Trust has invested in new promotional resources through Bournemouth Water's Better Futures Fund, helping raise awareness of its vital mobile healthcare service and making it easier for people in need, as well as partner organisations, to access support.
Bournemouth has one of the highest rough sleeping counts in the UK and the care which the HealthBus team provide to restore dignity and hope to those in need is especially vital in this area.
The materials included promotional packs, impact reports, and a finishing-line banner which athletes ran through at the Bournemouth Bay run. With support from the Better Futures Fund, HealthBus has been able to raise more awareness about their work to the general public.
Increasing visibility around the difficulties for people who are homeless, or have additional needs, to receive medical attention is a long-term goal which the charity has been able to work towards with these new promotional resources.
HealthBus provides its healthcare specialists with the unique opportunity to meet patients in the streets or temporary accommodation, removing potential barriers to ensure the HealthBus is accessible, respectful and safe. The care provided includes assessments and treatments, swift housing referrals, dentistry, and mental health services to support lasting change and a route out of homelessness.
Support for Abby
One of the many individuals HealthBus has supported is Abby. When Abby first came to HealthBus, they were sleeping rough, unregistered with a GP and living with untreated wounds, poor mental health and a deep mistrust of services. The HealthBus outreach team provided immediate clinical care, regular wound treatment, mental health support and help to reconnect with mainstream healthcare.
Through consistent and compassionate contact Abby began attending appointments, accepted referrals and engaged with wider support. HealthBus don’t just treat wounds, but help to restore dignity, stability and hope, supporting patients to take the first steps towards recovery.
Deano Pickering, Chief Executive Officer at HealthBus Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Bournemouth Water’s Better Futures Fund for its generous support. This support helps us do more than tell our story. It equips us to reach people experiencing homelessness with clear, accessible information about where to find us, how to engage with our service, and what support is available.
With this support, we can create professional, bespoke resources that raise awareness, build trust and help more people take steps away from the streets and towards safer, healthier and more independent lives. From everyone at HealthBus, thank you.”
Sam Walton, Bournemouth Water’s Senior Customer Engagement Manager, said: “We are delighted to support such amazing non-profit organisations like the HealthBus Trust. HealthBus is committed to protecting and caring for some of the most vulnerable people in Bournemouth and with our help we hope that more people become aware of its services and why its work is so necessary.”
For more information about the Better Futures Fund and how to apply for support, visit Better Futures Fund | Our community | Bournemouth Water