The Bus Stop Club is a local charity located in the Turbary Resource Centre, at the edge of Ferndown.
They are a befriending charity, seeking to support parents and families from the East Dorset area and beyond. Their small core staff team are very blessed to have a number of loyal volunteers who work alongside them.
Susan Sutherland who is the Project Manager for the charity shared with us how the charity has had to adapt during lockdown whilst still focusing on it’s main goals :-
Since the first lockdown last year we have had to change some of our activities, but our Centre remains open every day Mon to Fri 9-11am for essential groceries – we also have donations of fresh food available on Tuesday mornings.
We are very grateful for food donations from customers that we collect weekly from our local Sainsbury’s store. We are also part of the Fare Share (Tesco) and Neighbourly (Lidl) food donation schemes. Currently we are delivering groceries on Fridays to a number of individuals and families in need. We are currently delivering craft packs on Wednesdays to local families with younger school children, thanks to financial support from Cash 4 Kids.
We are supported financially by local trusts, foundations, community chest grants, churches and individuals – we are very thankful for all the support we have received, particularly during periods of lockdown since March 2020.
Our main project is the East Dorset CAP Debt Centre, also covering Ringwood and Bearwood. CAP stands for Christians Against Poverty, a national charity based in Bradford with hundreds of Centres all over the UK. Their services are free to those in unmanageable debt.
Since starting our East Dorset CAP Centre we have seen 26 individuals go debt free. We currently have vacancies for new clients, so if you or someone you know needs support, just phone the CAP freephone number: 0800 328 0006.
CAP Head Office will be glad to speak to you and explain how CAP can start you on your journey out of debt. There are also local CAP Centres in Poole and Bournemouth.
Since September 2020 we have been offering individual MOAT coaching sessions to those who want to manage their anxiety better, and to learn some strategies for processing historical trauma. MOAT Coaching is available to adults at a cost of £20 registration fee. We currently have spaces, so if you are interested please get in contact. Those who have completed the programme have all found it very helpful.
You can contact Susan to discuss MOAT Coaching or any other aspect of The Bus Stop Club :-
Susan Sutherland, Project Manager
W: www.thebusstopclub.co.uk
m: 07866 692528.
