A new support bus will enhance mental health and wellbeing services for hundreds of young people across Dorset. Run in partnership by local charities #Willdoes and Dorset Youth, the bus has been purchased and equipped with funding from Talbot Village Trust.

The partnership has enabled the #Willdoes youth outreach double decker bus, purchased and kitted out thanks to a £22,000 from grant-giving charity Talbot Village Trust, to extend its reach and travel from Swanage, its stationary base since 2022, to town centres and events across the region. 

Dorset Youth took the opportunity six months ago to manage the bus on behalf of #Willdoes, a charity founded by Lesley Paddy in memory of her son William, who passed away at 14 years old in 2019.

The charity encourages local youth organisations to come onboard and use as a base to provide support to young people facing difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing in local communities across the county. Youth organisations and services using the bus include Houseworks Dorset, Dorset Council and MyTime Young Carers.

Mike Bennett, Chief Executive at Dorset Youth, says: “Our partnership with #Willdoes is giving us the opportunity, together with other local community youth services, to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Dorset and the popularity of the bus, in both town centres and at events, is testament of that.

“Youth workers from the Drop In Portland have had more than 250 interactions with young people on the bus, seeing them using the mobile facility as a safe place to socialise with friends over hot drinks and snacks as well as talk to the professionals when support is needed.

“More than 800 people accessed the bus during our trip to Bestival where it was in attendance with MYTIME Young Carers, alongside the Drop In Portland, giving families the chance to visit and use as a space to relax and enjoy a range of fun wellbeing activities.”

Lesley Paddy, Founder Chair and Trustee at #Willdoes, said: “Funding from Talbot Village Trust enabled us to achieve our biggest goal, which was to tackle the lack of youth provision, funds and safe spaces in Dorset. It’s fantastic to now see what positive impact the #Willdoes youth outreach bus is having in communities since it went on the road in partnership with Dorset Youth.”

Caroline Cooban, Chief Executive at Talbot Village Trust, says: “It’s tremendous to see the #Willdoes youth outreach bus being deployed in areas across Dorset. It’s important for the Trust to support and provide funding for a service that reaches out to young people and goes directly to them.

“Professionals on board can build effective and meaningful relationships and help develop strategies so every person visiting the bus leaves with a sense of purpose. Youth provisions such as the #Willdoes bus ultimately support our children to achieve goals and build a positive and successful future.”

Talbot Village Trust awards up to £1million every year, supporting various causes across east Dorset and include youth and education groups as well as community-focused projects. The charity is encouraging further local causes to apply for funding ahead of its next application deadline on 31st January 2024.

For more information visit www.talbotvillagetrust.org