Charity takes on a 1,600-mile challenge to fundraise for urgent dental care

Emmaus Bristol provides accommodation, tailored support, work opportunities and training to people who have experienced homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. The charity has no time limit and can support up to 26 people at a time.

To reach the 1,600-mile target – the equivalent of 51.5 miles a day – the group will walk, run and cycle around Bristol to ensure that formerly homeless individuals receive the essential dental care they need.

Like many in Bristol, the charity has struggled to enrol its formerly homeless residents with NHS dentists.

Francesca Blishen, support manager at Emmaus Bristol, said, “Being street homeless means no address and no dentist. Currently, most of the people we support have no access to NHS dental treatment as it is unavailable, and they urgently need it.