Old railway van transformed into Horsham mobile charity advice centre

Train operator Southern Railway had not been able to use the van – previously fitted out for promotional roadshows – since the first Covid lockdown.

It had been stored in the open and had become unroadworthy. Horsham Matters, which supports homeless and other vulnerable people, took on the challenging restoration project to get the vehicle back on the road.

Now it is to use the revitalised van to support isolated communities across the Horsham district. The former ‘rust-bucket’ will become a mobile advice and distribution centre for the foodbank that Horsham Matters has provided for the past 10 years, and to provide a range of services such as advice and internet access. Other Horsham-based charities will also be able to use it.

Before the pandemic, Southern had used the van as a mobile information unit at local community events. By the time opportunities at such events picked up again, the firm had bought a new and more versatile vehicle.

Having stood in all weathers at Southern’s Horsham depot for four years, the older van’s bodywork deteriorated and became known among staff as ‘the rust bucket.’ Some mechanical faults also developed, although the well-equipped interior and engine, which had clocked up only low mileage, were in relatively good condition. But Southern calculated that bringing the van back into use would not be economical.

However, Southern’s community relations manager Rob Whitehead suggested that a local charity might be interested in doing it up and Horsham Matters took up the offer. With money raised from donations, and support pledged by mechanics at Kevin Griffin Cars, they have been able to carry out a cost-effective renovation.

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Although the van itself was showing its age, inside it is well-equipped as a mobile information booth with a fitted TV screen, an amplifier for a public address system, printer/scanner, steps, table and chairs, induction loop, leaflet rack, computer information unit and storage cupboard. The van is also air-conditioned.

With the help of Hawksbourne Conversions, Horsham Matters has spruced up its interior and another local firm, Octotech, supplied and installed new IT equipment.