The Bus Shelter Ipswich CIC was set up by Gareth, Sarah, and their daughter Tiffani.

They recognised the growing numbers of homeless people in and around Ipswich and decided that there was so much more that needed to be done.

Discovering The Bus Shelter movement they decided this was something they could do.

They acquired a bus from Stephensons of Essex and Gareth set about transforming the old school bus into a shelter. It has a lovely shower room with toilet and sink to the first floor and a living space complete with log burner, kitchen and a small dining space. We operate a shelter for upto 7 residents at a time from all walks of life, from relationship break downs to those battling substance abuse but really are desperate to turn their lives around. Either way our service is tailored to the individual.

We offer referrals to other organisations to help with any dependancies, debt management advice and guidance and long term housing advice. We can secure voluntary and paid employment for those who are ready to take that step. We refer to counselling services, fund ID documents and employability courses. We have even secured driving lessons for residents. Our only conditions are no drink, drugs, weapons or unapproved visitors at the bus or at any of our sites.

Cheys our Outreach bus travels to different towns around Suffolk providing a mobile outreach centre and advice. We have laptops, WiFi, printer, phones and lots of on board leaflets and trained advisors. We also have clothing, food, toiletries and sleeping bags etc for those who are rough sleeping. There's a fully functioning shower room with toilet and sink, a small kitchen area to provide hot drinks and snacks and a private meeting room for individuals to speak to one of our advisors in a confidential environment.

We work very closely with all relevant organisations, including local councils and Suffolk County Council, The Chapman Centre, Turning Point etc.

We also have 2 shops to fund our organisation and also operate 3 food banks. One from our Trimley Shop, one at our main site in Ipswich and a third in Claydon. We are fully Independant and offer a non referral process. This means often we are able to supply an emergency food and essentials parcel on the same day as requested.