Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, recently took the opportunity to climb onboard the customised Bar ‘N’ Bus, when it was on display in King George’s Field.
For over 10 years the Bar ‘N’ Bus has been parked in Webster’s Way car park in Rayleigh town centre, every Thursday night between 8 and 10pm. Despite having been aware of the Bar ‘N’ Bus for some time, this was the first time Mark has had the opportunity to pay a visit to the bus where he was shown around by the Operations Manager, Stewart Christian.
Bar ' N ' Bus is a charitable trust that works in partnership with local churches to serve communities through the use of converted double decker buses. There are several customised buses that currently go out on a weekly basis during the evening to various locations throughout South East Essex. The volunteers onboard the bus give young people a listening ear, support and a safe environment to socialise, as well as providing entertainment, such as an Xbox and unlimited free hot drinks.
Commenting on his visit to the Bar ‘N’ Bus, Mark said:
“I really value the work of the Bar ‘N’ Bus and the role it takes in helping to support young people in my constituency, by giving them not only a safe haven to enjoy a night out, but also the chance to discuss any issues that might be affecting them with a trained councillor in a friendly and unintimidating environment. It is important that young people are given an interesting place to gather and meet with their friends, while parents know they are in the capable hands of church volunteers.”