The Shelter MK Relaunches at Midsummer Place

From Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November, The Shelter MK team will display a replica sleeping pod opposite Waterstones and The Horizon Radio booth in Midsummer Place. Visitors will be able to step inside the life-sized model ‘bedroom’, reflecting the real rooms that the charity provides to people experiencing homelessness at its permanent George House site in Stantonbury.

On Tuesday 28 October at 10am, The Shelter MK will officially unveil its evolved identity with a small ceremony at the bandstand in Midsummer Place, revealing its new name, brand image and core message: Hope. Stability. Future. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Pam Williams, Chair of The Shelter MK, said:

“This is an exciting chapter in our transition from The Bus Shelter MK. We’re excited to change our name to The Shelter MK and bring our charity to the forefront of people’s minds with a new look and feel that has the people we support at its heart.
“The journey from our beloved bus to converted shipping containers at George House, Stantonbury, is a powerful story and we’re excited to share this with the public during half term thanks to a beautifully produced video from students at MK College.”

MK College media production students, led by tutor Luke Sheehan, created the film. He said:

“Our students have been so excited to be involved with such a worthwhile project. They’ve come up with some great ideas, and we’ll all be proud to see their work at Midsummer Place and used by the charity afterwards.”

It costs The Shelter MK £300,000 a year to operate, relying solely on public generosity and support. Once again, Midsummer Place has pledged its backing for the charity.

Kirsty McGiff, Midsummer Place Marketing Manager and long-time supporter of the charity, said:

“The launch of The Bus Shelter MK was a proud moment for myself and Midsummer Place and we’re truly honoured to support this wonderful charity once again as they transition to become The Shelter MK.”

Where it began

In 2017, The Bus Shelter MK was first launched in Midsummer Place with the unveiling of a former tour bus – once used by singer Robbie Williams – that became accommodation for people sleeping rough. The launch captured the imagination of Milton Keynes, raising more than £40,000 in the first six months through community donations and the shopping centre’s financial support.

When Covid-19 hit in 2020, the bus had to be retired. The charity responded by transforming shipping containers into sleeping pods and communal living spaces at George House in Stantonbury.

Since opening, The Bus Shelter MK has provided a temporary home for more than 300 guests across George House and its 21 move-on beds. It offers not only a safe place to sleep but also hot meals, showers, clean clothes, a space to rest and recover, and personalised support to help people move into work and their own accommodation.

Residents, known as ‘guests’, have described the pods as “the difference between hell and heaven” and “somewhere to put my head and call home.” The Bus Shelter MK has transformed countless lives.

One former guest said:

“I really want to come back to George House as a volunteer. The people that get taken in are often broken apart and their lives torn to shreds. I’ve spoken to individuals there when I’ve been back for Christmas and BBQs and said, ‘You’re in the right place. These ‘mums’ in here will help you.’”

Local agency Yellowyoyo collaborated with The Shelter MK team and guests to create the new name and the Hope. Stability. Future. strapline, while local brand consultant Natalie Morten-Spencer developed the charity’s new storytelling approach after spending a week at George House listening to guests and staff.

The message for the relaunch is “No more bus. Even more heart.” The charity says this reflects its evolution into The Shelter MK and its return to Midsummer Place — symbolising the enduring community spirit of Milton Keynes and the compassion of The Shelter MK team and guests.