A double-decker bus is ready to hit the road with a message of hope for Mitcham.

The vehicle has been fitted out with an education centre and cafe where the community can learn more about issues like drug abuse and money worries.

The Hope Bus was funded by about 10 Mitcham churches and opened its doors for the first time at Cricket Green school in Lower Green West on Friday.

Kevin Vicars, pastor at Pollards Hill’s All Nations Revival Church, said: “The whole project is based around wanting to give hope and a future.”

The bus made its first stop at the Mitcham Carnival on Saturday, and is set to tour the area’s schools and community events.