HealthBus celebrated in Parliament for King’s Award for Voluntary Service

On 09 September 2024, HealthBus was recognised and celebrated in Parliament. The Early Day Motion (EDM) submitted to Parliament by new Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes celebrates the charity’s receipt of the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour for voluntary organisations in the UK and the work its team does to bring healthcare to Bournemouth’s most vulnerable.

The EDM highlights HealthBus Trust’s dedication to addressing health inequalities and removing the barriers to care that many homeless individuals face. It also acknowledges the Trust’s crucial role in relieving pressure on frontline NHS services through its innovative mobile service. Other MPs have signed the Motion in support, including Neil Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole.

Tom Hayes MP said:

“HealthBus is an example of Bournemouth’s kindness and a force for good in our town. The King’s Award is much-deserved – HealthBus saves lives and provides essential healthcare to people who would struggle to access it. As a former homelessness service CEO who has spent time with HealthBus service users and support workers, I was proud to ensure this recognition of their achievements in Parliament. Everybody deserves healthcare.”

HealthBus Chairman Christopher Wakefield says: 

“What an honour it is to be recognised in this manner! I am delighted that the contribution we are making to individual lives and the wider community is acknowledged in such a distinguished way. Our heartfelt thanks go to Tom and colleagues who are committed to seeing meaningful action to reduce health inequalities among the most vulnerable in society.”