Wandsworth Council’s the Driving for Change bus has made great progress making tangible change to the lives of some of its most vulnerable residents thanks to a new service targeted specifically at rough sleepers…reports Asian Lite News
Wandsworth Council’s Driving for Change bus has been making significant strides in supporting rough sleepers by providing essential services and fostering connections with those who may have previously been hesitant to engage. This innovative service, which offers a mobile dentist, testing and vaccinations, access to various advisors, and practical products such as toothpaste and soap, has been renewed for an additional six months following a successful trial period.
Since its launch, the Driving for Change bus has seen one of the highest uptakes in London, with an average of eight guests per day and nearly 100 dental visits recorded so far. The bus also provides services like mobile phone charging and haircuts, ensuring that guests can attend to immediate needs in a welcoming and supportive environment.
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To celebrate the bus’s achievements, a recent event was held, attended by Mayor Sana Jafri and Councillor Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing. Councillor Dikerdem highlighted the importance of the bus, stating: “Engaging with rough sleepers can be a challenging process for a number of reasons. The Driving for Change bus is offering essential services that enables us to create a relationship with people that may not have wanted to engage with us before. This is a vital piece of work that helps us to create a fairer and more compassionate borough for all.”
One notable success story from the Driving for Change initiative involves a service user named ‘Steve’ (not his real name). Steve approached the bus with a skin rash and dental issues but, being homeless without access to a GP, had been unable to get the treatment he needed. Having been street homeless for over nine months after an eviction and struggling with addiction, Steve was connected with a drug support worker on the bus and received a referral to SPEAR, an organization that helps individuals experiencing homelessness.
Steve also consulted with a dental nurse and was introduced to a barista training program, which provided him with an opportunity to explore new skills. Thanks to the support he received, Steve was able to move out of London to be closer to his family and focus on his recovery.
Mayor Jafri praised the collaborative approach of the initiative, saying: “This bus brings together a range of services and is a real testament to the strong partnerships we have. We are working closely with the NHS, SPEAR, and Mungos to ensure that people presenting as homeless can access all the services they need, as well as advice, in a safe, supportive environment.”
Keith Higham, Head of Impact at Change Please Foundation, which leads the Driving for Change initiative, reflected on the impact of the project: “The Driving for Change initiative at Change Please has been a beacon of hope for the homeless community in London over the past two years. Our commitment to driving positive change knows no bounds as we continue to uplift and empower individuals in the homeless community.”
As the Driving for Change bus continues to operate, it remains a critical lifeline for those in need, offering not just immediate assistance but also pathways to long-term support and recovery. The renewed contract ensures that this vital service will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Wandsworth’s most vulnerable residents.
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