A HOMELESS charity based in Bournemouth is celebrating after receiving the £60,000 needed to continue assisting rough sleepers through their mobile drop-in clinic.

The HealthBus Trust launches a campaign earlier this year to purchase a brand-new vehicle to help give people experiencing homelessness access to healthcare and other support services.

The charity has needed a new vehicle since the first Covid-19 lockdown when they found that the hired bus they were using was unsuitable for face-to-face contact.

Operations Director Kate Hibbitt said: “Patients who live on the street are particularly vulnerable to catching and spreading the virus as it is so difficult for them to maintain hygiene, practice social distancing, self-isolate or receive treatment when needed.

“In late spring the 'Get Back on the Road' fundraising campaign was launched so that a new vehicle could be purchased and built to the HealthBus team's specifications.

“Thanks to generous donations, ingenious fundraising and grants, the HealthBus Trust has ordered its own purpose-built vehicle.”

Many Dorset residents took part in the charity’s 'Run for the Bus' virtual event, held over the August bank holiday, which Mrs Hibbit said was “a highlight of the campaign”.

She added: “Organisers were delighted that HealthBus patient Maxi, who lived on the streets for several years, was one of the participants.

“He completed a 5k circuit with Dr Maggie Kirk, GP, Medical Director of the charity and founder of the service along with St Mungo’s and BCP support workers and the Homeless Healthcare Nurse.

“Asha, a young recording artist, also contributed to the fundraising with proceeds from her single 'Invisible' going to the cause.”

As well as providing basic healthcare and specialist GP services, the HealthBus Team have been working in partnership and cooperation with other service providers, such as addiction and mental health specialists, to help people to find the support they need to move on in life.

More recently during the Covid pandemic, BCP Council and the CCG have contributed emergency funding which has supported the service.

One rough sleeper, Wayne, added: “People at the HealthBus really care.

“For the first time in over 30 years I feel hopeful about the future and where I am going and what I am doing.

“The HealthBus gives me the chance to rebuild my life."

The charity is still looking for more donations to help towards the costs of insurance, equipment and running the new HealthBus vehicle.

To find out more and donate, visit healthbus.co.uk/.