A New Kind of Shelter – Vanbitious Builds Aberdeen’s First Electric Safe Space on Wheels
At Vanbitious, we believe in creating spaces that go beyond utility - spaces that foster community and support those in need. Our work with Aberdeen Street Pastors reflects this commitment by delivering functional, mobile solutions that truly make an impact.
Aberdeen Street Pastors, a charity devoted to supporting vulnerable individuals on Aberdeen’s streets, approached us with a unique vision: a mobile welfare vehicle to enhance their outreach and care efforts.
In response, Vanbitious designed and built a bespoke mobile welfare unit to expand their capacity to serve the community. This project resulted in a versatile and efficient solution, allowing the Street Pastors to extend their outreach effectively. Our team transformed a standard vehicle into a fully equipped welfare unit, customised to meet the charity’s specific needs. The design emphasises a welcoming, functional space that supports their mission of listening, caring, and helping individuals in the community.
Understanding the Vision and Mission
Aberdeen Street Pastors, part of the larger Street Pastors movement across the UK, plays a crucial role in providing help and support to individuals facing challenging situations on the streets. Their work, often carried out in unpredictable conditions, required a customised mobile welfare unit that could offer a safe, warm, and fully equipped space for respite and care.
Vanbitious was commissioned to design and build a vehicle that would meet the charity’s requirements for flexibility, comfort, and functionality in a mobile setting. The result was a practical and efficient solution, tailored to support their outreach efforts while maintaining ease of use in diverse urban environments.
Key Features of the Mobile Welfare Vehicle
The mobile welfare vehicle was designed with several critical features tailored to support Aberdeen Street Pastors’ mission:
Fully Electric, Zero-Emission Vehicle: Aberdeen Street Pastors chose a Ford E-Transit, a fully electric van, to align with their commitment to sustainability and reduce their environmental footprint. This zero-emission vehicle not only meets the practical needs of the charity but also reflects a forward-thinking approach to welfare support on the streets of Aberdeen.
Off-Grid Solar Power for Renewable Energy: To ensure maximum efficiency and independence, we integrated a fully off-grid approach using solar panels. This renewable energy source powers essential amenities, providing a reliable, eco-friendly solution that allows the vehicle to operate entirely off-grid. With this setup, Aberdeen Street Pastors can serve the community without relying on external power sources, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable welfare support.
Comfortable Interior Layout: We focused on creating a welcoming, adaptable space with comfortable seating and ample room for volunteers to assist and connect with those seeking help.
Onboard Facilities: Equipped with essential welfare amenities, the van includes a compact yet efficient kitchenette, a warm interior, and storage for care supplies, ensuring volunteers have everything they need to serve the community effectively.
Climate Control for All Seasons: Given Aberdeen’s often cold and rainy weather, we installed advanced insulation and climate control to maintain a warm, inviting environment, making the vehicle a true refuge for those in need.
Durable, Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: Understanding the high-usage nature of the vehicle, we selected materials that are both hard-wearing and easy to clean, ensuring the van remains functional and hygienic for long-term use.
Overcoming Design Challenges
This project came with unique challenges, especially given the need for a flexible, multifunctional space within the constraints of a mobile vehicle. Our team at Vanbitious collaborated closely with Aberdeen Street Pastors to understand their needs, incorporating features that allow the space to serve multiple functions – from offering warmth and food to those in need, to creating a space where volunteers can rest during long shifts.
Advanced Electrical System
Designed for complete off-grid capability, it features 900 watts of solar power, a 560 amp-hour lithium battery bank, and three charging options: solar, the vehicle’s main battery, and shore hook-up. Our advanced electrical system, comprising of Victron Energy components, provides reliable, sustainable power that can be remotely monitored to ensure optimal efficiency and allow for firmware updates—enabling Aberdeen Street Pastors to do what they do best: listening, caring, and helping.
Renewable, Off-Grid Power—All from the Sun
With 900 watts of solar power filling the entire roof, this van is fully equipped to harness the sun’s energy, providing a steady, renewable power source wherever it goes. The expansive solar array captures maximum sunlight, ensuring the van stays powered without relying on traditional fuel sources. This setup enables true off-grid, allowing the Aberdeen Street Pastors to operate independently and sustainably, all while keeping essential systems running efficiently. It’s a complete renewable solution for a vehicle designed to support vital work in the community.
Client Feedback
Aberdeen Street Pastors shared their appreciation for the completed project:
“A year ago, Aberdeen Street Pastors felt it was time to replace their much-loved Safe Space truck. With the seed of an idea, we approached local firm, Vanbitious, to understand what could be achieved using a large van as a platform and to get an estimate of costs. From the first minute on the phone, Vanbitious was fully invested in the potential project and couldn’t have been more helpful. After successful funding applications, the purchase of a Ford E-Transit, a more detailed design phase, and a meticulous build-out, the new Safe Space has been deployed on the streets of Aberdeen. Vanbitious has been an incredible team the whole way through, so helpful and knowledgeable with the technicalities and aesthetics during the build and absolutely brilliant with their support as we rolled the Safe Space van into operation. Aberdeen Street Pastors are so thankful to Vanbitious for working with us on our new Safe Space van – a real answer to our prayers.”
– Pete Turner, Chair of Trustees, Aberdeen Street Pastor
On behalf of Vanbitious
“We are honoured to share our latest project - a mobile welfare vehicle created for Aberdeen Street Pastors. This is not just another van conversion, it is a safe space on wheels, a place where people facing difficult times can find warmth, support, and a compassionate presence.
At Vanbitious, we believe our work should go beyond functionality—it should serve a deeper purpose. Working with Aberdeen Street Pastors on this project has been incredibly meaningful, as their mission to care for vulnerable people aligns with the values that inspired me to start this company. Knowing that this vehicle will provide comfort and hope to those who need it most is something we take immense pride in.
To Aberdeen Street Pastors, thank you for trusting us to bring this vision to life and for the remarkable work you do every day. We are proud to have contributed to this project, supporting the positive impact you bring to the streets of Aberdeen.”
Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
At Vanbitious, we’re proud to have contributed to Aberdeen Street Pastors’ work through this mobile welfare vehicle. This conversion showcases the adaptability of our van conversion expertise while reflecting our dedication to meaningful community projects. We hope this vehicle enhances Aberdeen Street Pastors’ outreach efforts and provides a reliable support base for both volunteers and those they assist.
If you’re interested in learning more about our custom van conversions or exploring a project of your own, visit www.vanbitious.co.uk or get in touch with our team.