Community bus for young people takes to the road next month thanks to #Willdoes charity

WE DID IT!! With all your support and donations we have been able to purchase and convert a double decker bus for young people in Dorset to benefit from. Thank you everyone!!

Published by Andrew Diprose, Editor of Dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Young people in Dorset are set to benefit from a converted double decker bus offering a range of community services from next month.

It’s thanks to money raised by #Willdoes.

The charity was founded in August 2019 by Lesley Paddy after the tragic death of her only son Will, aged 14.

Since then #Willdoes has raised more than £100,000 for good causes in Dorset and the surrounding area, supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of young people.

Lesley, Chair and Trustee of #Willdoes, pictured with Will, said: “The lack of youth provision, funds and safe spaces in Dorset is at crisis point with so many young people suffering.

“We are working closely with Dorset Council departments to ensure that appropriate organisations specialising in youth work and young people gain access to the bus from mid-September.

“It will offer a safe warm space for young people to meet with each other as well as youth workers, counsellors and medical professionals.”

The bus, which was purchased by the charity for £10,000, is currently undergoing a £50,000 refit.

It includes a working kitchen so that warm drinks and snacks can be made available.

Upstairs, there will be two flexible meeting rooms – a lounge hang out area with bean bags as well as a more private space for consultations, sexual health clinics and career advice.

A junior Willdoes committee has also been established to find out what other services young people would like to see on the bus.

The launch date has been set for September 10 and volunteer drivers are currently being sourced.

A schedule of the bus and its location will be advertised on the charity’s website – willdoes.co.uk – shortly after launch.

Swanage Town Council has already pledged to provide an electricity supply and parking space in a central location, near the town’s skate park.

In August 2021 Lesley and the charities trustees, Julie Dyball and Jane Mumford, went to see the bus as it starts its journey to becoming the #Willdoes Community Bus for young people.