The Bath Safe Bus is a non-judgemental safe space for anyone who becomes vulnerable on a Saturday and Friday night. The purpose of the Safe Bus is to provide a Safe Space for people, delivering welfare support and medical care, reducing the burden on the emergency services, improving the perceived fear of crime, reducing violence against women and girls and improving women’s safety.

The Bath Safe Bus has been in operation since March 31st 2023. Since its launch, the Safe Bus has supported 322 vulnerable people, including 139 presenting with medical issues of which 133 were fully resolved at the bus and the patients were safely transported home, avoiding the need to call emergency services.

The cost of transporting an intoxicated person to A & E is £2000 (NHS Digital), and the cost of someone attending A & E starts at £418 (The Kings Fund 2021).

On that basis, we estimate that from 31st March – 31st December 2023 the Safe Bus has led to £266,000 in transportation costs via ambulance and £55,594 in direct A & E costs. A total of £321,594 saved.

The results demonstrate that the Safe Bus is having a significant impact in reducing NHS pressures and improving safety within Bath’s thriving night-time economy. The Bath Safe Bus early achievements were also recognised at this years Bath Life Awards winning the Civic category, but also the overall Platinum Award Winner.

For the first year, funding was provided by the Home Office via the Safer Streets Fund. In order to continue its successful operation and to keep the bus on the road we need to raise significant funds. The main cost for the bus is the fully qualified (FREC 5) on-board paramedic who ensures that the service provided is both safe and of the highest standard.

Please donate, share and follow to help us keep the bus on the road and provide this much needed service.