HealthBus Trust

Who are we?

The HealthBus Trust is an award-winning, CQC-Registered charity that brings healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth and nearby areas. Our objectives are to meet people where they are, build trust through compassionate, trauma-informed care, and connect patients to the right services to move toward safe, stable, and better health, while easing pressure on NHS and emergency services. We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality healthcare that is easy to access, focused on the needs of each person, and provided in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

Over the next 5 years, we are committed to seeing an increase in life expectancy, reducing frailty, and sustaining engagement for those facing homelessness.

What we do?

We deliver a nurse-led specialist mobile healthcare service across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), working alongside local community partners. Our activities include drop-in sessions and outreach provision, as many people with underlying health conditions are not accessing treatment until their condition becomes acute. We also offer social prescribing to address wider needs like food, benefits, and housing pathways.

Essential mental health support runs through everything we do. Our team provides on-the-spot assessments, brief therapeutic interventions, safety planning, and crisis de-escalation, support around low mood, anxiety, trauma, and sleep; and harm-reduction care for alcohol and substance use. Where specialist help is needed, we make fast, warm referrals and support patients every step of the way.

Our clinical team treat and assess:

• Basic Health Checks
• Wound care
• Blood tests, including Hep C/Hep B/HIV testing/ Syphilis testing
• Help with Medical Appointments
• Diabetes Assessments
• Mental Health Sessions
• Prescribe
• Sexual health promotion, contraception advice and STI checks

In partnership with other local services, we refer patients for:

• Liver Team hepatitis assessments
• Drug & Alcohol support
• Optometrist, Podiatrist, and Dentist support
• Haircuts & Street Vet assistance
• Housing
• Debt Support

The context of our work?

Homelessness continues to be prevalent across BCP because housing has become increasingly unaffordable, insecure, and difficult to access, while people are also facing more complex and overlapping needs. Rising private rents, limited affordable housing, landlord exits, family breakdown, domestic abuse, poor mental health, trauma, and substance use are all contributing to the pressure. Temporary accommodation is under strain and move-on options remain limited, making recovery harder. In this context, many people are excluded from timely healthcare and support. This is why HealthBus matters: providing trusted, trauma-informed healthcare that meets people where they are and helps prevent crisis, deterioration, and repeated homelessness.

Want to Give?

The HealthBus is funded through donations and grants. You can find out more at www.healthbus.co.uk