HealthBus and Driving for Change: Change for Community Empowerment

On May 30, 2024, Deano and Myka from HealthBus paid a visit to the Driving for Change team in Richmond, London. The visit was an eye-opening experience, showcasing the remarkable impact that diversity, fundraising, and local service connections can have on a community. Driving for Change, a pioneering initiative launched in 2021, repurposes iconic London double-decker buses to deliver essential services to the most vulnerable residents across key London boroughs.

Driving for Change has revolutionised support for people experiencing homelessness by transforming these buses into mobile service hubs. These buses offer a range of crucial services, including NHS and oral healthcare from nurses, haircuts, social support, digital and financial literacy training, financial advice, employment support, and more. Operating five days a week, the buses serve nine boroughs, including Stratford, Newham, Lewisham, Barnet, Richmond, Wandsworth, Kingston, Croydon, Hackney, Thornton Heath, Deptford, Canning Town, and Clapham Junction.

The visit left a profound impact on Myka Wilshire, a trustee of HealthBus, who praised the Driving for Change team’s passion and dedication to supporting the community’s most vulnerable members. “The Driving for Change Team are fantastic, and their passion and dedication to support the most vulnerable in the community is captivating,” said Myka. “It was wonderful to see the bus in action and to learn the lessons of their story. Even though the context of our work is different, there is so much we have learned from their resilience and passion in engaging the community. So thrilled to be invited and speak with the team personally.”

This inspiring visit highlighted the potential for similar initiatives to make a significant difference in other contexts, reinforcing the importance of innovative solutions, community engagement, and collaborative efforts in addressing social issues.