B&Q Weymouth

Dorset Reclaim operates across Dorset & western Hampshire as a furniture re-use project, collecting surplus electrical appliances, household items and furniture from local people and businesses. Our aims are to supply good quality items at low cost, provide a range of volunteering and training opportunities and to reduce the amount going to landfill by service provision and education.

The Bus Shelter Dorset was established in December 2016, gaining charity status from March 2017. After a number of months fundraising we converted a double decker bus in to safe sleeping accommodation for rough sleepers in Dorset, based in Weymouth. We believe that everyone has a right to a safe, warm place to call home whilst they receive non-judgemental and unconditional support and advice to address their problems and, when ready, move on into semi-dependent living and ultimately move on to independent living and employment. Our charity has evolved from our very humble beginnings and we now have a new site and 12 self contained units of accommodation for our guests along with a large communal kitchen, dining and lounge area, learning room and laundry facilities. We offer rough sleepers or those at risk of homelessness access to a supportive community environment with 24 hour high support tailored to meet their individual needs. The support we offer is unique and we have created a family environment where it is not judgmental and second chances are always offered. We want people to leave our service and not have to return through the revolving door of homelessness and will support individuals to access the appropriate move on accommodation when they are ready to do so. The support we offer: Development of daily living skills, emotional support and self-esteem building, referrals to other services and complimenting their support, support with benefit claims, support with budgeting and maximising income, support attending appointments, support to court hearings, assessment of individual needs, individual support plans led by client, allocated keyworker and regular 1-1 sessions, Trauma Informed support, preparation for tenancy readiness and tenancy sustainability, SMART recovery, Partnership working - Housing, Outreach services & Housing Associations, Probation/Prisons, Police, Health – GP, Dentist, Opticians, CMHT, Debt services, Drug and Alcohol agencies, Adult Social Care, Domestic Abuse Services, Low service charge – includes all meals, Somewhere safe to call home, a sense of belonging and purpose that continues throughout the journey of our services.

Since 2000 Soul Food has been serving the homeless and vulnerably housed with hot, nutritious food week after week, free of charge and in an atmosphere free of judgment. The most marginalised and overlooked members of our community find welcome and compassion when they walk through the door of a Soul Food session. Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5.30pm and Thursday and Friday mornings at 9.30am a team of wonderful volunteers serve what for many has been a lifeline. On Tuesday evenings our van does a a free food drop at the former Council office car park at 5pm. Soul Food itself became homeless in 2019 when the Prayerhouse building was destroyed in an arson attack. We know firsthand what it feels like to be dependant on the goodwill of someone else for our very survival. Weymouth Family Church generously lend us their building, Bethany Hall from which to operate Soul Food each week. Soul Food is possible because of the donations of individuals and the food collections from supermarkets. If you would like to donate, head to our website. Address below. If you would like to join the team please complete a contact form on the website or call in the Prayerhouse office.