North Herts College students turn bus into safe space for veterans

Working closely with Minds at War charity, the budding builders turned an abandoned vehicle into a crisis space for NHS referrals.

Named the 'Mental Health Battle Bus', it provides support for war veterans battling with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

The group of apprentices used their construction skills to completely refurbish the double-decker bus (Image: North Hertfordshire College)

The students, from the college's Engineering and Construction Campus, were commissioned by Minds at War to pour their expertise into the project.

These apprentices, specialising in carpentry, electrical work and property maintenance, were all hands on deck under the close supervision of their tutors.

The refurbishment of the bus also presented an opportunity to practice their skills and give back to society.

The double-decker bus has been completely remodelled.

What were once rows of seats have been transformed into a sleeping area equipped with beds and a relaxation zone on the top deck.

The lower deck now has a fully functional kitchen, complete with a water source, operational heating system, as well as shower and toilet facilities.

The project was close to the hearts of many staff at the college, including Gary Evans, an electrotechnical apprenticeship tutor who served in the military for 24 years.

Gary said: "Having served for 24 years, it was great to give something back to veterans of war.

"With many soldiers left on the street and not supported, I know the impact this project will have."

"This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which gave the students additional skills and something they are proud to have completed."

Gary also noted that practical work on the bus had introduced apprentices to aspects of their fields which aren't typically covered in their programme.

He added: "The work gave the apprentices skills of using DC (direct current from batteries) which they wouldn’t normally do day-to-day when they’re working on mains electrics, so this is additional learning on top of the curriculum they are set as part of their course within the electrical apprenticeship."

In addition to bolstering the participants’ skills, the project underscored the importance of mental health, particularly in their trade as the construction industry has the second-highest suicide rate among all UK industries.