Wellbeing bus leaders in Faversham delighted with housebuilder’s donation

- 12 Feb 21

Youngsters and community members looking for wellbeing activities in Faversham are set to benefit after a national housebuilder donated £500 to a mobile initiative. Bovis Homes made the donation to the Faversham Benefice’s GEM72 bus and trailer, which is used to entertain the Faversham community – with services including games and coffee events. Revered Daniel Corcoran, community and mission priest, who started the initiative in the town, said he was delighted with the donation and could not wait for the bus and trailer service, which launched last year, to be put back into use. Reverend Daniel said: “We are over the moon with Bovis Homes’ donation, it means so much to those behind the GEM72 bus and trailer and will have a great impact on those in Faversham – both young and old – who will continue to use the facilities when restrictions ease. “We have served hot chocolate, held inside and outside games, and used the bus and trailer as a wellbeing space – it’s so flexible and served the community well before, people can even hire the bus or trailer out. They will do again and this donation means we can offer even more in the way of games and activities to those who wish to use the service.” The ’72’ bus and ‘Going Extra Miles’ (GEM) trailer will often park up in areas in and around Faversham, and residents – including the vulnerable – are invited to visit and use its facilities. The initiative also works with different agencies to combat anti-social behaviour by offering fun activities and a safe space. The bus and trailer have been designed by pupils from both The Abbey School and Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School and are brightly decorated inside and out. They also include TV screens and facilities for laptops, with special lighting and comfortable seating. Denise Knights-Toomer, of Canterbury School of Visual Arts, transformed her front garden with fun pieces of art, including a picture of the GEM72 bus, and encouraged passers-by to throw in pennies, raising £50 for the project. Denise, industry liaison officer at Canterbury School of Visual Arts, part of the East Kent College Group, said: “Bovis Homes’ kind gesture means an incredible amount to GEM72 and the community. This is a vital service that can reach all types of Faversham residents. The beauty of it being mobile is that you can take it anywhere and the trailer can go where the bus isn’t able to. You can adapt the service so that anyone can use the facilities, which will now be increased due to this generous donation.” Candice McCabe, regional marketing manager at Vistry Group – which includes Bovis and Linden Homes, said: “This is a wonderful mobile initiative that we could not be happier to get behind. As a housebuilder we’re all about supporting the community and GEM72 does just that for residents. We encourage people of all ages to seek the bus and trailer out once restrictions have eased.” To find out about Bovis Homes’ Davington Fields and Linden Homes’ Ospringe Gardens locations in the town, visit www.bovishomes.co.uk and www.lindenhomes.co.uk.