Arriva Derby depot donates bus to a unique cause

Rashpal Lal has lived in Derby since 1966. Always looking to help others in need, he has helped countless homeless people by offering temporary accommodation in a caravan he owns. Now, Rashpal is planning on taking that help further.

His latest idea was inspired by American community projects he’d seen on TV, which led Rashpal to contact Arriva's Derby depot to discuss provision of a bus to benefit the homeless population in the local area. According to Rashpal’s vision, this would not be a regular bus - it would be converted to offer an educational area upstairs with downstairs housing, showers, and a small hairdresser space too!

Operating from Rashpal’s charity building at Cemetery Lodge, Uttoxeter - the bus will be used as a hub and, on top of offering education, washing facilities and hairdressing, the hope is that it will encourage people to earn as you learn. Classes have already been booked to teach people how to use a defibrillator, for example.

Rashpal said “I’ve watched charities all over the world and tried to learn and do the best I can with the tools I have. Rather than hand outs to people which I do on a regular basis I believe that I should teach people how to earn and learn.” 

Arriva are absolutely thrilled to be able to help Rashpal with this wonderful project, and we have donated one of our Arriva buses to be converted into this amazing Hub.

Raj Chander, General Manager at Derby said, “We were approached about this idea in late 2021 and immediately knew it was something Derby Depot wanted to be involved in – to help as much as possible. The whole project will really benefit our homeless and our wider community. We really hope it helps those in need to get back into employment with the support of this wonderful charitable cause.”