“The Bus is a way of me giving back and making sure the people that are still out there struggling are not forgotten and have a lifeline when they’re ready.”
Eddie has valuable lived experience which makes his role within the organisation vital to our success. With 20 years of drug abuse, prison and homelessness Eddie is perfectly equipped to support others at the Bus and has a deep understanding of the situation our guests find themselves in and offer practical advice on how to make changes for the better. Eddie left the chaotic chapters of his life behind in 2005 and hasn’t looked back since.
Eddie gained professional experience working with rough sleepers through homeless assertive outreach in Weymouth for a number of years before co-founding The Bus Shelter Dorset.
With a passion to give back and put all his experience to good use Eddie knew that setting up a project for the homeless was where his heart was and something he wanted to do in the future.
Emily started her career working with rough sleepers when she left college in a night shelter in Bournemouth which led to a passion for making a difference to peoples lives; no matter how small.
Always working in the field of housing, homelessness, addictions and mental health Emily has gathered skills and experience along the way.
Emily’s enthusiasm, tenacity and vision for the impact this project has and will continue to have on peoples lives is easy to see.
In 2022 we received a Queens Award for Voluntary Service which we are incredibly proud of! Thank you to ALL of our volunteers for gifting their precious time to us over the years.
As a qualified counsellor with the additional experience of working in residential care for teens, Suzy exemplifies patience and calmness in all her interactions. She is responsible for training and guiding our support workers, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident in their roles. Suzy’s dedication to the well-being of the team is evident in her approach; she provides continuous support and fosters a nurturing work environment.
Her ability to remain composed under pressure and her commitment to professional development make her an invaluable leader. Suzy not only imparts essential skills and knowledge to our support workers but also serves as a crucial point of support, helping them navigate challenges and maintain their own well-being. Her leadership ensures that our team remains resilient, cohesive, and effective in delivering high-quality services to those we support.
Debs brings with her a wealth of experience from her work in young people’s supported accommodation and domestic abuse services. Her expertise in managing challenging behaviour and leading the team with a steadfast focus on the well-being of our guests is truly admirable.
Debs has consistently demonstrated the ability to create a safe and supportive environment for our guests, ensuring that their needs are paramount and met with compassion. Her deep understanding of the complexities involved in with our guests, make her an invaluable advocate for our guests and leader to the team.
Claire, our Finance Manager, holds professional accounting qualifications, bringing a wealth of expertise to our financial operations. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic planning skills along with her clear-headed approach to financial management ensures that our organisation operates with precision and efficiency. She excels in managing risk, employing sound judgment and proactive measures to safeguard our financial assets.
Claire’s dedication to maintaining financial stability and transparency is instrumental in our success. Her role is crucial in ensuring the effective allocation of resources, adherence to budgetary constraints, and compliance with financial regulations. Claire’s commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes make her an indispensable asset to our team
Housing Manager
Jemma brings 13 years of experience in establishing and managing a move-on service for offenders being released from prison in Oxford. Prior to this, she worked as a nurse, bringing valuable health experience that is a fantastic resource for our team. Her dedication to supporting others with compassion and patience has been instrumental in helping individuals transition successfully back into the community through our Next Stop service.
As a fantastic role model Jemma consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to the team and the people she serves. Her expertise in working with people with complex needs, combined with her empathetic approach and healthcare background, has not only provided invaluable support but also inspired and guided the team. Jemma’s leadership and unwavering dedication make her an exceptional asset to our organisation, ensuring that we continue to deliver high-quality, impactful services.
Trustee
Darcy was born and brought up in Weymouth and lives in Dorset. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1993, and has spent the last 25 years as Finance Director in a number of businesses.
Darcy has been a charity trustee for a number of years and joined the charity in May 2025. He believes that The Bus Shelter provides vital support for people who need it the most and is excited to contribute to its development.
Chair
Fiona Brown joined The Bus Shelter as a Trustee in October 2022 and was appointed Chair in December 2023. She brings a professional background in social housing, having worked extensively with housing associations and local authorities.
During her time at Dorset Council, Fiona met Emily and Rosey and was immediately impressed by their dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm.
Driven by a long-held belief that everyone deserves a home, Fiona finds deep alignment in supporting a charity that embodies that principle. She hopes the knowledge and experience she has gained over the years will continue to be of value to the organisation.
Trustee
Helen relocated to Dorset in 2018 and brings over 35 years of diverse experience across communications, logistics, finance, training, and the third sector. Her career has included working with charities to support the development of social enterprises, helping to create sustainable and impactful community solutions.
Helen is passionate about using her skills to support vulnerable people and is proud to contribute to The Bus Shelter Dorset’s mission of providing safe and supportive accommodation for those experiencing homelessness.
Trustee
Saira has been a teacher and school leader in her career and brings ideas about education and nurture to the charity. She is a founder trustee, believing in the transformative power of feeling safe and having somewhere to belong.
Saira has seen the project grow from tiny beginnings and is always interested in new and exciting opportunities for our guests and our charity. She holds close the ‘bus family’ that has been created and believes that the charity advocates for our guests really well.
Trustee
John is a senior solicitor specialising in litigation and employment law, with particular expertise in advising on matters involving employees and volunteers. He has extensive experience across both the private and public sectors and currently works for the RNLI.
John’s legal expertise is a valuable asset to The Bus Shelter Dorset, helping the charity navigate complex employment and governance issues with confidence.
His understanding of volunteer frameworks and safeguarding responsibilities ensures the organisation remains compliant and well-supported as it continues to grow and serve the community.
Trustee
Jamie has a deep love for Dorset, having moved to the county many years ago. He recognises that Dorset is a place of contrasts, and works with colleagues at University Hospitals Dorset and across the region to help tackle health inequality. In his professional role, Jamie witnesses the profound impact that homelessness can have on both mental and physical health.
He became a Trustee of The Bus Shelter Dorset in early 2025, bringing his communications expertise to help raise awareness of the charity’s work and its community, with the aim of ensuring more lives can be positively transformed in the future.
Secretary to the Trustees
Alice joined The Bus Shelter as a volunteer in late 2024, initially mentoring one of our guests. She now serves as Secretary to the Trustees, providing vital support to both the Trustees and the Chair.
With a strong passion for housing, Alice brings valuable leadership experience from her role at a local housing provider. As a Weymouth resident, she has a deep, first-hand understanding of the daily challenges faced by many of our guests, which informs her compassionate and committed approach to our mission
Trustee
Kate has recently joined The Bus Shelter as a trustee and will be looking to utilise her significant background in marketing communications to help the charity continue to grow.
Kate has lived in Weymouth, the site of the Bus Shelter, for the majority of her life and is passionate about the role it plays in her community through the impact it has on guests’ lives.
Fiona Brown
Saira Sawtell
Helen Wilson
Kate Luton
James Donald
John Galbraith
Darcy Corben
