A charity hoping to transform the lives of homeless people in Dorset is calling for help.

 

Work is underway to convert a double decker bus in to a mobile bus shelter which will sleep up to 20 rough sleepers.

 

The bus was brought to Weymouth last week and will be based in the resort but will cater for rough sleepers from around Dorset.

 

The project is the work of Emily McCarron and her partner Eddie, who set up the Bus Shelter Dorset in a bid to help end the need for people to sleep on the streets.

 

They are looking for skilled workers, including carpenters and kitchen fitters, who are able to donate their time and skills to the project.

 

Emily said: “The work would ideally suit somebody who is retired and looking for a bit of a project to work on.

 

“So far, we have had lots of offers from people willing to donate their time, and we are really grateful, but when we’ve called them they have not had much time available or they’ve not been available on the days we’ve needed them.

 

“We understand that people have livelihoods, we’re just hoping some people can spare some time.”

 

The charity initially set a fundraising target of £10,000 so that it could buy a bus to renovate.

 

Donations poured in and Damory stepped in, gifting the charity with a double decker bus which put the project ahead of schedule.

 

Once finished, the bus will include sleeping pods upstairs and downstairs, there will an area for volunteers to sleep, a consultation area, kitchen, wood burner, seating area and toilets.

 

The bus will be powered by solar panels on the roof and there will be storage space. Each sleeping pod will have its own curtain for privacy and low voltage LED lighting and USB plug.

 

The bunks will consist of a mattress, sheets, duvet, two pillows and additional blankets if needed.

 

There will be two volunteers aboard at all times. People will be offered the use of a PO BOX so that they are able to apply for work, register with GP and make benefit claims.

 

Emily is looking for people to help out as soon as possible. For more information, contact Emily on 07904 048936 or email thebusshelterdorset@yahoo.com