Sussex charity using bus to fight rural homelessness

The Turning Tides bus will be used to tackle the problem of hidden homelessness, which the charity says is becoming increasingly prevalent.

The bus is being used to fight the "hidden homeless" problem in Sussex

The bus has been kitted out with facilities including showers, a kitchenette and washing machine to help rough sleepers in rural areas.

Andy, a client of Turning Tides who now volunteers driving the buses, said: “This bus and the charity are lifesaving.

“Homelessness can take your dignity away - you don’t feel human. It is a very dark lonely place.

“Turning Tides offer so much - shelter, warmth, fellowship. They have been so helpful and understanding and, through the charity, I feel I have grown.”

Client and volunteer Andy driving the bus

Turning Tides say that as a rule of thumb there are 20 hidden homeless people for every one homeless person visible on the street.

The bus will allow the charity to help these people by looping between rural areas in West Sussex.

The Homeless bus is designed to reach less accessible people to help them get back on their feet. This can include one-to-one help sessions as well as using onboard internet facilities to help with setting up doctor’s appointments and housing applications.

The bus is largely run by volunteers with Turning Tides providing the training needed to drive the double-decker bus.

The charity is also raising money to keep the bus running with costs amounting to around £100 a day.

Ruth Poyner, head of fundraising for Turning Tides, said: “Rough sleeping is really frightening. It’s a really dangerous existence.

“Sometimes people who are sleeping rough in the woods won’t see people for days. They might be sleeping in their cars but a lot of those people are in remote areas in the countryside in Sussex.

“We have been running the bus for about six days and we have noticed it bringing a big benefit to people across the country.”

The bus has space for one-to-one meetings as well as a range of kitchen and bathroom facilities

According to research cited by Turning Tides, the average homeless person is likely to die around 30 years younger than the average life expectancy.