Bus (XL-R8)

The vision for the XLP bus (XL-R8) was born out of a desire to take take our youth and community work onto housing estates in London where no suitable accomodation could be found. The bus project began operating in 2003, initially on 2 estates – The Aylesbury Estate in Southwark (Europe’s largest housing estate), and the Abbey Wood Estate in Greenwich. Today the bus can be found working with over 200 young people every week, between the ages of 6 and 18, on 7 housing estates in Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets.

The upstairs of the bus is equiped with computer equipment for homework support upstairs, and a youth “chill” space is located on the lower deck. The bus clubs are run by a team of youth workers who as well as providing homework facilities and support, also use a variety of craft activities, games, and competitions, to engage the young people who attend. Each club is tailored to meet the needs of the young people on each community it serves. All school work support is provided in partnership with the local schools and the project collaborates with other youth organisations, local churches, and the local council and the Police Safer Neighbourhood teams.

At present the work of the bus is continuing to grow, with demand for it far greater than a single bus can supply. Our current vision is for another bus! If you are interested in using a bus (our current vehicle is still available during certain times of day, school holidays and weekends), or in helping support the bus project, or would just like to know more about the project, please get in touch with us.