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Safe Living Pilot
Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom
Aim
To empower HealthBus patients by equipping them with skills to enable financial independence to increase physical and mental wellbeing.
Who We Are?
The HealthBus Trust is a charity that provides accessible and appropriate healthcare to people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. The Trust operates a mobile, GP-led service in close relationship with a multidisciplinary team and other providers of homeless services.
What We DO?
Established in 2016 by Dr Maggie Kirk, the HealthBus Trust is here to bring hope, dignity and enable positive change for people experiencing homelessness. The Trust's vision is to reduce health inequalities and develop world class expertise in homeless health through multidisciplinary partnership working. The charity believes that every person has an equal right to effective and evidence-based healthcare that is delivered in a safe and non-judgemental environment. The outstanding HealthBus team are passionate about supporting people with a life that is fulfilling, connected and independent through effective healthcare. In December 2021, the HealthBus won the 'Clinical Improvement Award for Public Health & Prevention 2021' for exceptional homeless care.
The Trust partners with clinical and non-clinical teams to create a wrap-around service that helps people improve their physical and mental health, free themselves from addiction and move on from homelessness. The HealthBus service reduces demand on NHS secondary care and other service providers. The Trust also collaborates with hospital teams to reduce the ‘revolving door’ syndrome that sees individuals going in and out of hospital. This helps reduce demand and frees up resources for the wider community.
The Need?
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council have estimated there are at least 450* recognised homeless people in this area, plus an unknown number of ‘invisible’ homeless (i.e. sofa surfers and people staying in temporary accommodation). Many of whom have complex and profound medical and social issues. In addition, many patients are affected by alcohol and drug miss use. The Trust seeks to address the pressure on the NHS and frontline health services. *2019 YMCA stats.
Our Idea!
The HealthBus plays a vital role in ensuring people can have better health and not suffer from isolation and loneliness. The HealthBus team seeks to empower patients further by equipping them with skills to enable financial independence to increase physical and mental wellbeing.
This pilot seeks to educate people to be more financially independent and invite them into a community activity that encourages social integration. The aim is to support individuals to take control of their lives through focused educational workshops. Individuals that experience social exclusion would be targeted to build self-esteem and a sense of belonging. The workshops include managing-money, how to budget, diet and nutrition, basic IT skills and cookery. The funding would facilitate essential support and life skills for those who are in temporary accommodation (still classed as homeless), who are hoping to transition into permanent accommodation.
The National Emergencies Trust has provided £2,003 of match funding
Sovereign Network Group: Thriving Communities has provided £1,500 of match funding
Aviva Cost of Living Boost has provided £1,142 of match funding
Aviva Community Fund has provided £792 of match funding
Aviva Community Fund has provided £200 of match funding
This project successfully funded on 4th November 2022