Driving for Change

It can be difficult to reach people experiencing homelessness from conventional healthcare or education settings. But what if the care they need could meet them where they are, rather than expecting them to navigate complex systems to find it? Working with the Chane Please Foundation on its Driving for Change initiative, TP Bennett redesigned the interiors of two double-decker buses to provide lifesaving services directly to people most in need, in a warm, welcoming mobile setting, without the usual clinical or institutional associations.

The high street has always been in a state of commercial flux, from the days of markets, cafes and independent shops to department stores, multinational chains and supermarkets – all of which now face strong competition from online retail. Today, there is growing recognition that to remain relevant and useful, these spaces must offer more than just shopping and leisure. Increasingly, the high street is being reimagined as a hub for essential services, as a way to help address gaps in access to health and social care. The Driving for Change initiative, developed by Change Please Foundation, was launched as a pilot in 2022 to demonstrate how this shift can work in practice by bringing support directly to people experiencing homelessness.

Following a sharp rise in homelessness following the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a need for a direct, accessible alternative to traditional service delivery models to reach people experiencing homelessness. TP Bennett repurposed two London double-decker buses as fully equipped, mobile support hubs.  These mobile hubs deliver a wide range of services, including GP consultations, dental care, haircuts, financial and digital literacy training, employment support, therapy assessments, shower facilities and access to essential everyday items, with many guests professing into their Barista Training progarmme and permanent work.

The design challenge was to translate this complex, multi-faceted programme within the tight constrains of a double decker bus. Beyond meeting functional needs, the space had to feel welcoming and dignified for guests, a departure from the clinical or institutional settings usually associated with support services, which can be off-putting for many. The concept was framed as a ‘sanctuary on wheels’, with a calm, domestic-scale interior that felt safe and accessible. 

Internally, the buses are organised to maximise both efficiency and privacy. There are compact consultation rooms and enclosed spaces for confidential conversations and treatments; circulation is carefully planned to support multiple services operating simultaneously. Every element of the fit-out is considered in detail, from bespoke joinery to the ergonomics of sliding doors, ensuring that the limited space works hard without feeling crowded.

Material choices reinforce this approach. A base palette of soft, calming tones is paired with durable finishes suitable for heavy use, such as robust vinyl flooring. Plywood joinery brings a sense of warmth and tactility, while keeping costs down and ensuring efficiency in construction. These quieter elements are contrasted with more expressive interventions with art by Bud Studio animates the entrance and stairwell, adding a splash of colour to connecting spaces. 

Throughout, the project relied on close collaboration between designers, fabricators and delivery partners to achieve a high-quality, bespoke experience within tight physical constraints. Since its launch, Driving for Change has expanded beyond its initial pilot. The buses now operate five days a week across multiple London boroughs, with locations including Stratford, Hackney, Croydon and Clapham Junction, reaching some of the most vulnerable in our society that might otherwise struggle to access support.