Key 2 life is a charity based in South Shields working across South Tyneside. They have recently launched a new community bus project which has enabled them to be able to convert a double decker bus. The bus will be driving to different locations within South Tyneside on a daily basis and parking up for a few hours in the hope of helping those people within the local communities.
Downstairs there will be a shop selling good quality fresh fruit and vegetables, packet, tinned, and non perishable food and non-food and hygiene items, baby wipes, milk and nappies for very low prices in the hope of helping individuals/families money to go further, reduce waste and lower the need for the number of people attending food banks which is at an all time high. All money made from this project feeds back into the charity and food bank that they run in South Shields.
Upstairs there are seating areas where staff can offer advice and direct/refer individuals to relevant interventive services. They hope to have some of these services available on board to offer advice and are hoping to have the likes of welfare rights, Drug and alcohol services among others. The bus has an awning and out door seating and offers tea and coffee for those who would just like to come along and have a chat. The bus is for absolutely anyone to use and is not restricted to those on benefits it is for the whole community.
They currently offer free school uniform and winter coats free of charge upstairs on the bus and have a pop up Christmas shop with toys and Christmas items at very reduced prices.
The bus stops at 6 different areas per week Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s with 2 stops per day. Please see the current 3 week rota that will run continuously until the stops are reviewed at which time an updated list will be posted.
With the current cost of living crisis this service is a valuable asset to all.
https://keycommunity.org.uk/key-community-bus/
