Get Involved

Fundraising

There are so many ways to raise funds to support our work, and we are here to support you however we can.

Our amazing supporters have undertaken a wide range of fabulous fundraising challenges; running, performing, climbing, baking, and even fire walking! However you choose to fundraise for us, you will be making a world of difference.

And if running is your thing, then how about #RunningForTheBus?

In addition to individual fundraisers, community groups have been a huge support since our charity began. If your group is looking for a worthwhile cause to support and/or you have a shop or club counter where we can house a collection tin, we would love to hear from you!

Visit our Just Giving page for inspiration justgiving.com/usinabus

If you’re interested in organising a fundraising event, please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you and find out how we can help. Please email events@usinabus.org.uk.

Why Support Us

With your support, we can continue to improve the wellbeing of some of the most isolated people in society

By supporting Us in a Bus, you are helping us to improve the lives of people who have profound learning disabilities and complex needs. Together we can make a real difference, affecting the way in which society views people who are often marginalised and isolated, as we support them to be heard and valued.
Most people take communication for granted, a chat with a friend, exchanging a greeting with a neighbour, sharing a joke…countless exchanges which help us to feel part of the world, with a powerful sense of being connected to others.

People with profound learning disabilities and complex needs face a very different reality, one where there is often no one who understands what they want to express. This leads to isolation as a person journeys through life very much locked in their ‘inner world’, the rest of the world being a confusing and often, inaccessible place.

Us in a Bus seeks to bridge this gap. We provide opportunities for the people we support to be heard and valued, aiming to convey the message ‘you are good to be with’. Since 1990 we have been using the intuitive practice of Intensive Interaction to build lines of communication and connection; as trust and relationships build, the resulting engagement improves emotional well-being and reduces loneliness.

Us in a Bus are passionate about delivering these services. Through our Interactive Sessions, we ensure that people with profound learning disabilities and complex needs, have the opportunity to participate in activities that are tailored to their needs. Our registered charity (Registered Number 1088570), has become widely known and respected for its unique and specialist services, for which there is growing demand. However, we rely upon the generosity of individuals, community groups, businesses, charitable trusts and grant making foundations, to continue running these vital services.

We hope that you will consider supporting us in some way, however small, and that you will help us to reach even more people, by making others aware of our work connecting lives.

Why We need Funding

Us in a Bus is so very grateful for the generosity of Trusts and Foundations. Without this vital support we would not be able to visit around 130 people each week; we would not be able to improve their wellbeing and quality of life by providing unique opportunities to communicate.

Trusts and Foundations play a vital role in helping us to improve the lives of people like Christopher who has profound learning and physical disabilities, as well as sensory impairments. Christopher experiences his life either lying on his bed or in his personalised wheelchair, and the circumstances of his life mean that it is easy for him to become isolated. The relationship our practitioners have gradually formed with Christopher, is fundamental to helping him understand that social interaction can be enjoyable. The plan and hope is that Christopher will understand that it is good to be with him, and that he is valued as a person.
Case study: Christopher's Story
Christopher is in his forties and lives in a residential home with two other residents. He has profound learning and physical disabilities and sensory impairments. He experiences his life either lying on his bed or in his personalised wheelchair, and the circumstances of his life mean that it is easy for him to become isolated.

Christopher’s condition means that it is a challenge to find ways to help him to connect with other people. His lack of sight, limited hearing and restricted physical ability mean that the simple ways that most people socialise, such as having a coffee and a chat or watching television together, are not available to him and alternatives need to be explored.

Our Interaction Practitioners spend an hour with Christopher each week. They always make him aware of their presence by creating a physical connection with him whilst speaking . . . a rub of his chest or a tap on the mattress next to his head. Christopher associates the guitar with his Us in a Bus sessions and this can be used to amplify sounds and as a sounding board. The guitar is positioned next to his wrist so that he can feel the vibrations, and he turns towards it and makes movements with his mouth. The Interaction Practitioners respond to his movements by making louder sounds on the guitar which he can hear. They respond to every sound he makes either by jiggling his body, becoming more vigorous as his sounds become louder and matching his energy levels. These techniques show Christopher that they have heard and seen him. He often responds by smiling and moving his hand. Over time, he has begun to explore the guitar and other equipment with his fingers expressing interest and purpose in his movement.

The Interaction Practitioners believe that Christopher recognises them and responds directly to the stimuli they provide. He has begun to turn his head around as if to search for them when they are in the room. Forming this relationship is fundamental to helping Christopher understand that social interaction can be enjoyable and will build his self-esteem. The plan and hope is that he will understand that it is good to be with him and that he is valued as a person.

Some names have been changed to protect confidentiality but otherwise these are all real life example of our work.

Our Current Funders

Us in a Bus is so very grateful for the generosity of Trusts and Foundations. Without this vital support we would not be able to visit around 200 people each week; we would not be able to improve their wellbeing and quality of life by providing unique opportunities to communicate.

With thanks to our Current Funders

Funding from Trusts and Foundations truly makes a difference.

We would like to thank all of our current funders:

  • John Ede Trust
  • The Edward Gostling Foundation
  • The Bryan and June Amos Foundation
  • Boshier-Hinton Foundation
  • Shanly Foundation
  • Forbes Charitable Trust
  • The John Horseman Trust
  • The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
  • The Slater Foundation Limited
  • Hampton Fund

Over the years, Trusts have funded a number of projects, and have contributed to running costs and purchasing essential equipment, such as our vans.

But we still need more support…

If you are a member of a group, or know of an organisation that currently supports work like ours, we would love to hear from you! Please send us an email or call 01737 823310

Thank you to our Past Funders

Thank you to all our past funders for your valuable support. Over the years we have been very fortunate to build relationships with incredible organisations that positively impact countless lives of those in need.

See a list of past funders

Are you thinking of running a Marathon?

Over the years we have been supported by people running in marathons around the UK and beyond; we know what a big commitment this type of challenge is and are keen to support you while you train for those 26.2 miles!

In the past we have featured our runners here on the website and supported their fundraising efforts through our social media channels. Last year our Chief Executive Victoria took part in the Brighton Marathon, she described her running as “a walrus wading through treacle” (we strongly disagree with this description!). Victoria successfully completed her first ever marathon and raised a terrific amount in the process.

We would love to hear from anyone who is thinking about #RunningForTheBus every step, of every mile, will help us to keep on building life-changing connections.

2026 Events

BACCHUS WINE HALF MARATHON & 10K

The Bacchus Wine Half Marathon and 10K is a one-of-a-kind running experience set in the heart of Denbies Wine Estate. It blends award-winning English wine, great food, live music, fancy dress and a spectacular (and seriously challenging) countryside course through the vineyard and the North Downs.

Bacchus may have a fun-run spirit, but it is a fully professionally organised event, with a well-marked and marshalled route, chip timing, medical support and a premium finisher’s medal. The Half Marathon, the main event, features six wine stations along the route, while the 10K now includes three for 2026 — all serving Denbies wines alongside generous snacks and live music.

Fast times are not the goal here. The wine stations are made to be enjoyed, not rushed, and Bacchus is proudly known as one of the slowest — and most memorable — half marathons and 10Ks you’ll ever complete.

The experience continues at the legendary post-race party, with more food and drink, including pulled pork and meat-free options, and music carrying on well into the afternoon. With limited places and a history of selling out early, Bacchus is an event to book sooner rather than later.

Please contact us at events@usinabus.org.uk  for more information.

BACCHUS WINE HALF MARATHON AND 10K

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Intensive Interaction Residential Workshop

Over the weekend, we’ll explore how Attachment Theory can shape and influence life transitions for people with PLMD, Autism, and other complex needs. We’ll also look at how Intensive Interaction can help make these changes and experiences feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

The weekend will include a range of interactive workshops led by experienced Intensive Interaction professionals. Together, we’ll share ideas, learn from one another, and contribute to the development of a practical resource document that will be produced after the event.

Some other outcomes of the weekend:

1) To become part of a supportive network of Intensive Interaction practitioners and advocates.

2) To collaboratively develop positive solutions to specific Intensive Interaction ‘issues’ raised by attendees which can then be more effectively addressed.

3) To have a great time and come away really energised!!!

We have secured great accommodation in Beaulieu to try and appeal to as many people as possible. We will also be keeping the costs down by doing communal catering (as in previous years). We’ll work in teams to each provide a meal – we’ll send out further details when you book and finalise in the weeks before the Weekend.

This is a great opportunity to connect with professionals and practitioners, exchange knowledge and experiences, and enjoy spending time with others who share similar interests and passions.

Unfortunately we cannot reserve spaces or offer refunds.

We look forward to welcoming you to the weekend for some in depth II conversations and building new friendships and professional debate. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Location: Beaulea
Date:9 to 11 October 2026
Cost: £90

Sign up here or if you need any more information, please contact info@usinabus.org.uk .

 

INTENSIVE INTERACTION RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP

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#climbforthebus

Experience the UK’s most popular mountain and feel alive in the great outdoors while raising money to support Us in a Bus.

This nine-mile challenge is for both groups and individuals. We have partnered with RAW Adventures, whose experienced guides will ensure you go home with a deeper understanding of the mountain, an appreciation of your wellbeing and a huge sense of achievement. Together, we will develop a sense of wonder and intrigue about Yr Wyddfa as we ascend to the 1,085 metre high summit – all while raising funds to support Us in a Bus’ vision of having a society where people with profound learning disabilities and complex needs have the opportunities to communicate and connect that others take for granted.

Location: Llanberis, North Wales
Date: 42 dates throughout the year
Cost: Day £49 (per person)    Sunrise £69 (per person)    Crib Goch £79 (per person)
Minimum sponsorship: £100
Fitness: Yr Wyddfa is 1,085 metres above sea level and has some steep and rocky sections and paths; it’s an exciting mountainous environment! We suggest you download and follow the RAW Adventures Training Plan before undertaking this challenge.

Inclusions:

  • Pre-event support and advice
  • Event notes and kit list
  • Printable training plan
  • 1:10 mountain leader ratio
  • Group safety equipment and first aid kit

Registration is now open, so sign up to secure your place to experience the most majestic of mountains!

Sign up here or if you need any more information, please contact events@usinabus.org.uk .

 

2028 Events

Winter Wander 2028

Sign up for our 21.3k Half Marathon Walk in London from Kingston to near Windsor, for Us in a Bus employees, Trustees, friends and family, corporate and stakeholder friends and all, walking, talking and building connections! It will be held.

Date: Saturday 29th January, starting at 10 am. There is also the option to do a quarter marathon distance and end at Rotherhide, the halfway point.

A safe, well-organised, walk that a wide range of people can participate in to raise much needed funds for Us in a Bus, so that we can continue to do the brilliant work that we do supporting people with profound and multiple disabilities and complex needs.

If you need any more information, please contact events@usinabus.org.uk

 

Winter Wander Countdown

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Partnership Support

Supporting Us in a Bus through your company’s Corporate Responsibility Partnerships creates the opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of some of the most isolated people in our society.

We are always happy to speak to new audiences about our work, and explain exactly how we are improving and enriching lives. We are keen to work with organisations who share our vision of a society where people with profound learning disabilities and complex needs, have the opportunities to communicate and connect that others take for granted.

Whether you are looking to make a longer-term commitment, or you wish to make a one-off donation, your support makes a world of difference.

Together we can ensure that more people continue to have their lives connected.

Gemserv, based in London, provides professional services to energy and data sectors, and they have been supporting Us in a Bus for two years. They have found a variety of ways to add value to, and raise money for, our charity …..

“It is important to us that we are involved with a charity that makes a life enhancing difference to the people it supports, we have found that in Us in a Bus. Their work providing specialist support to people with profound learning disabilities and complex needs is incredible land inspiring. Or staff value the connection to a charity that serves the community and it is important to them that they can contribute through fundraising and volunteering.

Our donations and support mean that Us in a Bus’s vital funds can continue to help people who are often isolated and who find communicating with the world (and the people in it) a huge challenge. The work they do to build connections gives the people they support opportunities to feel heard and valued, something we all need and that most of us take for granted. It is at the heart of Gemserv to make a difference and for our people to play a leading role in tackling social challenges. We are delighted to have found a charity to work with that shares our values.”

Meriel Lenfestey, Chair, Gemserv

Become our Friend

As a Friend of Us in a Bus, you are an important part of the continuing positive impact we have on the lives of the people we support.

Our friends are people who care deeply about the wellbeing of those who have profound learning disabilities and complex needs. Regular giving provides vital support; your ongoing contribution helps us to continue improving the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

With the support of our friends, we can make sure that we continue in our mission to connect lives and reduce isolation, for people.

When you become a friend of Us in a Bus you help us to deliver…

  • Weekly interatction sessions that provide opportunities for each person to be heard, and to feel valued, something we all deserve
  • Life enriching interactions that enable our practitioners to convey the message: ‘You are good to be with’
  • Connections that build bridges, creating important lines of communication with people who can be ‘difficult to reach’
  • Connective, shared experiences that reduce loneliness and anxiety

Becoming our Friend is quick and easy, you can sign up here in just a few minutes, select an amount from £5 a month, up to whatever you feel you can afford.

Together we can make life better for even more people, as we communicate the message ‘you are good to be with’.

Leave a Legacy

As a Friend of Us in a Bus, you are an important part of the continuing positive impact we have on the lives of the people we support.

Our friends are people who care deeply about the wellbeing of those who have profound learning disabilities and complex needs. Regular giving provides vital support; your ongoing contribution helps us to continue improving the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

With the support of our friends, we can make sure that we continue in our mission to connect lives and reduce isolation, for people.

Making a Will is the only way to ensure that your assets go to the people and causes closest to your heart. You also minimise the tax you pay – as we are a registered charity, leaving a gift is tax free and will reduce Inheritance Tax on your estate. A recent change in the law also means that whilst charitable legacies remain exempt from Inheritance Tax, if 10% of an estate is left to a charity such as Us in a Bus, the rate of Inheritance Tax on the remainder of the estate is reduced from 40% to 36%. This change means that not only do charities benefit but that family and friends benefitting under the Will could receive increased legacies as a smaller amount of tax is due.

What next?

If you don’t have a Will, we recommend you use a solicitor and you can use the online locator by visiting the Law Society. Or if you wish to update your current Will to make a donation, you can use a Codicil Form to amend your existing Will. The most popular ways to leave a gift to charity after providing for loved ones are:

  • Leave a share or percentage of your estate
  • Leave a gift of money
  • Leave a specific item

Leaving a Gift of Connection

After taking care of your friends and family, making a gift to Us in a Bus in your Will is a very special way to make a lasting impact by helping us support people with profound learning disabilities and complex needs feel part of the world around them. Legacies help us to improve and develop our services into new areas and work with more people with profound learning disabilities and complex needs every year. Your gift, however large or small, would help us to support people with profound learning disabilities, their families and their carers.

If you do plan to leave a donation to Us in a Bus it would help us so much if you could let us know of your intentions by emailing us or writing to us at the address below. Your wishes will of course remain confidential and please do remember that, should your circumstances change, your intended gift is not legally binding.

Wording for your Will – please include our full name, address and registered charity number when you draft or amend your Will:
Us in a Bus
Redhill Aerodrome Business Centre, Kings Mill Lane, Redhill, Surrey RH1 5JY
Registered charity number: 1088570

If you have any other questions or would like to speak with someone confidentially about your will, please call 01737 823310 or email admin@usinabus.org.uk

Download the Legacy Factsheet