HealthBus Trust Impact Report for April 2023 to March 2024
“No one sets out to be purposefully on the streets … sometimes you face situations which just leave you broken and desperate ... After lots of encouragement from visiting health professionals I have found hope and compassion from those involved with the HealthBus. This service is a lifeline! A much needed refuge for those who are vulnerable. The staff and team involved with the HealthBus have saved and are saving lives …Thank you.”
HealthBus patient
“I
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN
“As the Chair of Trustees of the HealthBus Trust, I am proud to highlight a series of significant achievements made in 2023-2024. We welcomed esteemed figures like Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, and Dr Michael Marsh, Southwest Medical Director & Chief Clinical Information Officer of NHS England, to explore our innovative model of care delivery. Alongside, we extended a warm welcome to new members of both our team and trustees, enriching our collective expertise.
Our commitment to combating homelessness was further strengthened through partnerships with Homewards and the Royal Foundation. Our volunteering commitments were recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in November 2023, a testament to our dedication and impact in the community, akin to an MBE. Engagement with local businesses and schools deepened, fostering mutual support and awareness with successful fundraising campaigns.
A significant milestone was the launch of our new Electric Response Vehicle for Specialist Homeless Outreach, enhancing our ability to deliver essential healthcare.
In addition, our involvement in vital homeless research projects underscored our commitment to evidence-based solutions. Strengthening our digital infrastructure was a priority, and partnerships with PatientSource and SPC IT have been instrumental in enhancing our organisational efficiency.
As I reflect on the past year, I am inspired by the tireless dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our community. Together, we have achieved remarkable progress, yet there is much more to be done. With gratitude and determination, we look forward to continuing our mission to serve those in need and create positive change in the year ahead”.
Christopher Wakefield Chairman,
HealthBus Trust. 1
DEDICATED TO PATIENT-CENTRED CARE
The HealthBus Trust is an award-winning charity that provides outreach, accessible and tailored specialist healthcare to people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. Operating a mobile GP-led service, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, local authority and third-sector providers of homeless services, the Trust delivers care at the point of need to people sleeping rough and in emergency accommodation. The charity engages those who are unable to access mainstream healthcare due to significant barriers and health inequalities.
WHAT WE DO
Our mission at the HealthBus Trust is to bring hope and dignity while enabling positive change for people experiencing homelessness. We collaborate with clinical and non-clinical teams to offer a comprehensive range of services that help individuals improve their physical and mental well-being, overcome addiction, and transition out of homelessness. By doing so, we also reduce the burden on NHS secondary care and other service providers, working closely with hospital teams to break the cycle of hospital readmissions and unregistered A&E visits, freeing up resources for the broader community.
Our model integrates elements of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA’s) recovery framework, emphasising person-centred care, empowerment, purpose, and hope, as highlighted by Ellison in 2018. This innovative approach to homeless healthcare delivery prioritises the relational aspects of primary healthcare, addressing the unique needs of the homeless population. By fostering trusting relationships, promoting individual worth, and empowering informed decision-making, we guide homeless individuals on a journey of recovery and reablement, setting the stage for improved health outcomes and greater self-confidence. HealthBus has secured Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration, which is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.
To achieve this, we have key clinical positions that include GPs, a CQC Registered Manager, a Medical Director, an Engagement and Enhancement Outreach Nurse, a Mental Health Nurse, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, and a Social Prescriber. These professionals often form the first and only trusted relationships for those who seek our help. This is the initial step in the recovery journey, allowing people to value themselves enough to receive healthcare and eventually reach a point where they can access mainstream services. Our operations team, including the Executive Director, Finance Manager, Projects & Volunteering Coordinator, and our dedicated volunteers, play a crucial role in fundraising, ensuring compliance, and managing day-to-day activities.
The service we offer to people experiencing homelessness is a lifeline. The Trust offers GP & nursing clinics to those who are experiencing homelessness aged 18 years and above. The team can treat and assess the following issues:
• Basic Health Checks
• Wound Care
• Chronic Disease Management
• Practical Support to attend Appointments
• Physical & Mental Health Assessments
• Preventative Health including vaccinations
• Liaising with Primary & Secondary Care
• Smoking Cessation & Nutrition Advice
• Sexual Health Promotion and STI Checks.
In partnership with other allied services and agencies, we refer patients for:
• Liver Team Hepatitis Assessments
• Drug & Alcohol Support
• Optometrist, Podiatrist, and Dentist Support
We also support patients with hair cuts and street vet assistance.
VISION, MISSION & VALUES
VISION: To reduce health inequalities and develop world-class expertise in homeless health through multidisciplinary partnership working.
MISSION: We provide accessible, high-quality, patient-centred healthcare for people experiencing homelessness.
VALUES: Every person has an equal right to effective and evidence-based healthcare. We deliver this in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
We have developed a strategic and fundraising plan centred on a multichannel approach, combining grants, corporate partnerships, and community donations to ensure sustainability. This plan underpins our mission to remove barriers to healthcare, support individuals in transitioning away from homelessness, and promote best practices within the sector. By diversifying our fundraising streams, we are able to maximise resources, ensuring that our service is well-equipped to deliver essential and acute care whilst achieving our core objectives. 5
CHANGING LIVES WITH SPECIALIST
HEALTHCARE
At the HealthBus, we have excelled by focusing not only on healthcare delivery but also in adapting our systems to better serve our patients, like offering drop-in clinics instead of those requiring appointments. We have rapidly created a safe, non-judgemental space where trust has been established with patients who often avoid traditional medical services. We encourage feedback through questionnaires and informal conversations with our patients to ensure our service remains patient-focused and responsive to their needs.
“I consider myself privileged to have met the HealthBus team and received excellent treatment from them. At all times, I have been welcomed with love, compassion and understanding by every member of the team.”
Jon (undisclosed patient) 2023
“The treatment I have received from the team has always, without fail, been professional, and of the highest possible standard. I am now in my mid 70’s! I have met many medical professionals in a long lifetime. The Health Bus team are among some of the best I have ever had the pleasure to meet.”
Patrick (undisclosed patient) 2023
“This service saved my life when I was living on the streets. I was a mess and had given up. The HealthBus Team were so kind to me and have helped restore my hope in people. I have a long journey ahead out of addiction but am getting the help and support I need”.
Ted (undisclosed patient) 2023
“Finding free care for many of the services I need would have been difficult without the HealthBus. When I was homeless getting healthcare would have been difficult due to my mobility issues. Everyone is extremely attentive and caring. My social prescriber is wonderful not only does she help with my needs but we also laugh together. So life is balanced.”
Sally (undisclosed patient) 2024
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering is essential to a thriving community, benefiting both volunteers and organisations. At the HealthBus, volunteers are the backbone of our operations, crucial in delivering care, enhancing wellbeing, and providing organisational support.
Our volunteers significantly contribute by directly interacting with patients, offering compassionate care, and managing some of the logistical aspects of our service. Their dedication ensures we reach underserved populations, providing essential health services to those who might otherwise go without. Whether assisting with medical processes, offering emotional support, or helping with administrative tasks, our volunteers’ commitment enhances our services’ efficiency and effectiveness.
Moreover, HealthBus volunteers bring diverse skills and perspectives, enriching our team and enabling us to tackle challenges creatively and effectively. Their passion and dedication inspire confidence in our patients and foster a welcoming, supportive environment. The sense of community and trust they build is fundamental to our mission, reinforcing the importance of human connection in healthcare.
One of our volunteers, Gail, a retired Headteacher with 42 years of experience, exemplifies their commitment, by using her skills to support homeless individuals in accessing healthcare and finding companionship.
“Finishing work can be an anxious time, you can’t permanently be on holiday so what’s next? I wanted a challenge ... I’ve been volunteering since September 2022 and it’s been more amazing than I thought possible. At the weekly Thursday morning clinic, I work with a small group of volunteers to support the team. I’m not a health practitioner, but care in a different way, by being a friend, making a hot drink or some toast and chatting to patients whilst they wait for their session. Helping people relax and feel comfortable means they are more likely to seek help, preventing conditions from getting worse.”
Gail now utilises her vast expertise to deliver engaging presentations about the charity, enhancing awareness of its history, impact, and future plans. Her talks not only raise the profile of the service but also contribute to fundraising efforts, showcasing her dedication and valuable skills. 9
KING’S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE
As a user-directed organisation with people who have lived experience of homelessness, our volunteers are the heart and soul of the HealthBus. Since our inception in 2016, we have benefited from the dedication and commitment of over 600 volunteers who have taken on a range of roles, from fundraising to healthcare delivery to day-to-day operations. Their collective efforts have been so impactful that we were awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in November 2023, the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK, which is equivalent to an MBE.
Receiving this prestigious award underscores just how much our volunteers contribute, not only to the HealthBus but also to the broader community. Two of our volunteers had the honour of attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace on 8 May 2024, a fitting tribute to their remarkable dedication and service.
Reg and Gail, volunteers from HealthBus were presented with the award crystal and certificate by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, on 24 May 2024. Chairman of HealthBus Trust, Christopher Wakefield, stated, “What an honour it is to be recognized in this way! I am delighted that the contribution we are making to individual lives and the wider community is acknowledged in such a distinguished manner.”
We are incredibly proud to be one of the 262 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive this prestigious award this year. The work of our volunteers, along with others from across the UK, serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible impact volunteers have on their local communities, striving to make life better for those around them.
“The treatment I have received from the team has always, without fail, been professional, and of the highest
possible standard.”
Healthbus patient, 2023 Find out more visit healthbus.co.uk
“The
HealthBus team saved my life, without their support I would be dead. Over the past few months, you helped me get off the streets and encouraged me to address multiple physical and mental health problems’.”
Healthbus patient, 2023
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
The HealthBus plays an instrumental role in addressing homelessness by providing high-quality, patient-centred healthcare to individuals experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP). Central to its mission are several key partnerships with local organisations and community initiatives that work collaboratively to tackle homelessness and provide comprehensive support to those in need.
A core partnership is with the Homelessness Partnership BCP, a coalition of over 40 local organisations committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in all forms, from rough sleeping to hidden sofa surfing. As a key member, we participate in the Homelessness Reduction Board (HRB), which brings together leaders from the Council, NHS, Police, Probation services, social housing, and various voluntary and faith groups. This collaborative approach helps us coordinate efforts to make a real impact on homelessness.
Our role in the local Homelessness Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) is also crucial. This team takes a person-centred approach, providing wrap-around care to rough sleepers. The MDT’s focus on mental health, physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual needs allows us to address the complex challenges that homeless individuals face.
We’re part of the Homewards BCP Coalition, directed by the Royal Foundation, which aims to end homelessness within five years. By participating in this coalition, we contribute to governance, expansion strategies, and action plan development, drawing on the expertise of other local partners.
Our partnership with PatientSource has revolutionised our operations by implementing a digital cloud-based patient record system. This innovation has enhanced our efficiency and compliance, allowing us to focus on patient care.
Additionally, we are members of the Community Action Network (CAN), a vibrant voluntary sector charity advocating for strong, healthy, and diverse communities. This connection helps us network with other organisations that share our values, amplifying our impact.
ENGAGEMENT WITH EDUCATION
At the HealthBus Trust, education plays a pivotal role in our mission to raise awareness about homelessness and promote best practices in the field. As part of our strategic objectives, we engage with schools, colleges, and universities to challenge unconscious bias and provide educational opportunities that broaden their understanding of homeless issues.
Through outreach initiatives in local primary schools, we foster community involvement by encouraging students to assist with fundraising efforts. These initiatives not only raise crucial funds for our work but also cultivate empathy and understanding among young learners, planting the seeds for a compassionate future generation.
In collaboration with the NHS University Foundation, we offer approved medical and nursing student placements. These placements provide a unique opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience in delivering healthcare to people experiencing homelessness. By immersing these future healthcare professionals in real-world settings, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding homelessness and inspire them to incorporate this awareness into their careers.
We’ve also participated in the Wessex Deanery Health Equity Fellowship, which focuses on encouraging a new generation of General Practitioners (GPs) to specialise in addressing health equity issues, particularly among homeless populations. Through sessional training with the HealthBus, these new qualified professionals receive direct exposure to the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and learn best practices for providing compassionate, patient-centred care. Also, in collaboration with Bournemouth University, we welcomed Professor Kamila Hawthorne MBE, Chair of the RCGP Council, who visited Bournemouth to engage with the HealthBus team and healthcare students.
Our commitment to education and awareness-building extends beyond traditional academic settings. By engaging with the wider community and future healthcare professionals, the HealthBus Trust strives to create a more informed and empathetic society, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive approach to tackling homelessness.
HOMELESS RESEARCH
We understand that homelessness and addiction present significant healthcare challenges, often leading to poorer health outcomes. To address these issues, we actively contribute to research that explores these challenges whilst measuring the impact of our service. Our recent participation in the Integrated Care System (ICS) Research Engagement Network (REN) Development Programme Research Part 2-South West, is an example of our commitment.
This project focused on exploring strategies for engaging people who have experienced homelessness in healthcare research. By including these voices, we aim to develop effective healthcare interventions tailored to their needs. Alongside The Lantern, a Weymouth based homeless hub, we played a pivotal role in this research, identifying barriers to engagement and proposing solutions. Funded by NHS England Research, the project involved collaboration with Dorset ICS, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and Bournemouth University’s PIER Partnership. Our goal was to ensure the voices of Dorset’s most marginalised were heard and incorporated into strategic research engagement network development activities. We focused on enabling homeless and vulnerably housed individuals to design their own research involvement. This includes:
Giving them a voice: Engaging our HealthBus patients to include their perspectives in the research process.
Identifying contributors: Finding those interested in supporting or contributing to research.
Defining their involvement: Understanding how they wish to participate, whether through interviews, focus groups, or other methods.
In January 2024, during the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, we counted 89 people sleeping on the streets in Bournemouth. The rates of statutory homelessness between 2023 and 2024 in the BCP area were 2,382. The HealthBus added over 380 patients to our record system from June 2023 to April 2024, potentially engaging up to 30 people in this research project. These figures indicate we’ve only heard from a fraction of this marginalised community.
We are committed to homeless research which informs our practice. By increasing our healthcare offerings, we hope to encourage more people to engage with health services, building trusted relationships and supporting their journey toward better health outcomes.
ADDRESSING HEALTH INEQUALITIES
We are dedicated to addressing health inequality, especially among the homeless and vulnerably housed. One of the ways we do this is by engaging with healthcare networks and think-tanks to discuss and develop strategies for tackling health disparities. We regularly contribute to inequalities symposiums and conferences, where we share our model of specialist homeless healthcare and learn from others in the field. Our aim is to foster dialogue and promote collaborative approaches to reduce health inequalities.
Over the years, we’ve been a designated site for the Complete Care Community Programme (CCCP), a ground-breaking national initiative designed to strengthen healthcare systems by leveraging Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and doctors surgeries to address health disparities. With the support of NHS England, the CCCP is delivered by Arden & GEM and Healthworks, with clinical leadership provided by Professor James Kingsland OBE. The programme is unique in its focus on working with PCNs to identify key health inequality challenges within local populations. These challenges often relate to the broader determinants of health, such as housing, employment, and social support, which require a multi-agency response.
Our collaboration with the CCCP has provided us with valuable insights into how healthcare systems can work together to tackle health inequality. By partnering with PCNs, we can pinpoint the specific health challenges facing our community and develop targeted solutions. This collaborative approach often involves working closely with local councils and other agencies to address broader issues contributing to health disparities.
Through our contributions to symposiums, conferences, and the CCCP, the HealthBus Trust is playing a vital role in combating health inequality. By sharing our experiences and learning from others, we aim to promote a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all, particularly those who are homeless or vulnerably housed. This ongoing engagement is central to our mission of providing high-quality, patient-centred healthcare and advocating for the needs of the most marginalised.
FUNDRAISING & GRANTS
Generous fundraising from local businesses, schools, and grant-giving organisations has been instrumental in enabling the HealthBus to make a significant impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness in 2023-2024. These contributions have allowed us to expand our services, enhance our resources, and reach more individuals in need.
Local businesses have played a crucial role in our fundraising efforts. Through corporate social responsibility initiatives, charity events, and direct donations, businesses have provided muchneeded financial support. This support has enabled us to invest in medical supplies, fuel for our mobile clinic, and essential equipment to ensure the HealthBus operates smoothly and efficiently. The engagement from local businesses also extends beyond financial contributions, with employees volunteering their time and expertise to support our cause.
Schools have also contributed significantly to our fundraising success. Through bake sales, sponsored runs, and other creative fundraising activities, students and staff have raised awareness about homelessness and collected funds to support our work. These efforts not only provide critical financial resources but also help to foster a sense of community involvement and empathy among young people.
Grant-giving organisations have been a cornerstone of our funding strategy. By awarding grants, these organisations enable us to undertake specific projects that have a lasting impact on the homeless community. In 2023-2024, grant funding has allowed us to launch new initiatives, such as expanded healthcare services, mental health support programmes, vaccination clinics, cardiovascular disease prevention sessions, social prescribing, medical research and further outreach activities targeting designated areas. Sponsored support for vital equipment and resources, including our new Electric Response Vehicle, has increased the teams capacity to connect with more patients, therefore changing lives for the better.
The combined efforts of local businesses, schools, and grant-giving organisations have empowered the HealthBus to make a positive, tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. With this continued support, we are able to provide high-quality, patient-centred healthcare, and work toward a brighter future for everyone in our community.
OUR IMPACT
Becoming homeless, or the fear that this could potentially occur is one of the most damaging experiences that can happen to individuals and families. It can pervade many aspects of life and leave long-lasting damage to prospects, potential, well-being and health.
However, we’ve made a significant impact on our community by providing essential healthcare services to 344 individuals experiencing homelessness, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Through our specialised care and partnerships with local organisations, we’re helping to reduce health inequalities and enhance the overall well-being of those we serve.
WHAT WE ACHIEVED
3727 Total Clinical Interventions, operating 3-4 days a week
1613 Outreach Nursing Engagements via the mobile clinic/on the streets
1085 Social Prescriber Appointments
692 Mental Health Appointments
337 GP Sessions
381 New Patient Registrations
THE FIGURES
For the first time ever, our income has allowed us to increase and strengthen our specialist homeless healthcare provision, thanks to the generosity of our supporters and partners. For every pound raised 70p is spent on delivering essential healthcare to those who need it most.
“The team are so caring and genuinely want to help. The nurses have helped treat my wounds and I no longer feel alone or afraid”. Jen (undisclosed patient) 2024
WHAT WE RAISED WHAT WE SPENT
Thank you!
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported the HealthBus Trust over the past year, including our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and collaborative partners. Your unwavering commitment has made it possible for us to provide essential care to those experiencing homelessness, impacting countless lives.
We also take a moment to honour and remember the patients we’ve known who have passed away, holding their memories in our hearts as we continue our mission.
