Charity workers were left "devastated" after heartless arsonists destroyed a minibus they use to help some of the North East's most vulnerable people.
Based out of St Margaret’s Church in Newcastle's West End, Changing Lives' GAP/MAP project is an outreach service helping those at risk of being sexually exploited or who are involved in sex work.
On Monday, project workers discovered their minibus had been gutted by fire, putting some of their crucial work at risk.
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Project manager Luisa Alvarez said: "We, as an organisation, are devastated that the bus has been targeted and burnt to the ground for no reason."
The bus was purchased 13 years ago after a donation by Brunswick Church. Since then, staff say, it's been in use "daily", helping them to provide vital support to vulnerable people all across the Northumbria Police force area.
Luisa said: "The minibus is used for extensive purposes including facilitating outreach sessions where the team reach out to the most vulnerable people in our communities. This also includes providing people with essential items and offering support to ensure they are safe.
"The bus is also used for day trips to the beach, retreat centres, country walks which create positive experiences and memories for people who are experiencing hardship. The bus played a key role in ensuring the people we support are included in various activities, more recently our annual Christmas gathering.
"We have previously supported people who are fleeing abuse to relocate to a place of safety which has included moving their belongings."
Without the bus, the Changing Lives workers are worried about how many key aspects of their work will continue.
Luisa added: "The bus has been our lifeline for the day-to-day running of our service. We are passionate about the support we offer, giving people the chance to live a life worth living, free from harm, and the bus enabled us to reach out to some of the cities' darkest corners.
"Our team will no longer be able to conduct outreach, provide transport, daily activities. This will have a huge impact on the daily running of our service."
Although an insurance policy covers the bus, because of its age it's unlikely the payment will cover the full cost of a replacement, leaving the charity needing to fundraise to ensure the project stays mobile.
Police were called out to the scene of the destruction, on Heighley Street, and have asked anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Police received a report of a burned out mini bus on Heighley Street, Newcastle on Monday, January 17.
"Officers attended the scene and are appealing for information in connection with the suspected arson.
"It is believed the incident took place between 7pm and 11pm on Sunday, January 16 outside St Margaret's Church.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via the Tell us Something pages on the Northumbria Police website or contact 101, quoting reference NP-20220117-0276."
- You can find out more about Changing Lives or donate to help them replace the minibus at https://www.changing-lives.org.uk/how-you-can-help/
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