I was delighted to meet Gareth and Sarah, my constituents from Holbrook, who operate the very inspiring The Bus Shelter Ipswich project to help rough sleepers in Ipswich. It was really moving to hear how much of a sacrifice the couple have made in personal financial and time terms to set up their community interest project.
Of course, the star turn of the project is the bus, kitted out to sleep up to 14 homeless clients (though they plan initially to sleep 4 – 6 rough sleepers at any one time). So much effort has gone into this project: – the bus has solar panels on the roof; a working shower and other facilities, and a wood burner which keeps it all warm. I viewed the bus at its temporary home in Wherstead but Gareth and I discussed the need to find other sites. I will therefore be corresponding with Babergh, particularly members and officials responsible for homelessness provision, to ask them to see what further support they can give to ensure that Tiffers The Bus Shelter can deliver for vulnerable people in our local community.