The Norwich SOS Bus helps anyone when out in Norwich on a Friday or Saturday night.

It is a vital service for ensuring that people get home safely after having a little too much fun, losing their friends or need help for any reason. It also provides medical assistance, somewhere safe to be if you are isolated from friends and if you feel at risk during a night out. You can get your phone charged up, a bottle of water, a list of taxi companies, condoms or a listening ear.

The risks for people on a night out are getting more serious with the risk of spiked drinks, drugs or just higher heels. The SOS bus sees at least one serious incident every night they are on the streets.

The SOS Bus was set up in April 2001 following the sad death of 2 young people in the River Wensum. It has been running in Norwich on Friday and Saturday nights for over 23 years providing a safe non-judgmental place for anyone whose well-being is threatened by illness or injury, emotional distress, or other vulnerability, in and around Norwich at night.

The dedicated team of volunteers provide a safe place for anyone in need, along with a medical team providing assistance when needed, which reduces stresses on the emergency services and saves Police time.

Without the SOS Bus Norwich, in a year:

2723 People who need help will not be supported.

180 ambulances will need to be called.

85 A&E visits will be needed.

53 hours of Police time needed to deal with clients which the SOS Bus would normally take onboard and care for.

There would be a huge gap in the support available for people. This will result in people coming to harm and a significant increase in demand for the emergency services.

The SOS Bus service is the work of a unique night-time resource because a significant amount of its work is preventative. By supporting and intervening before people require the emergency services the bus reduces the likelihood of them going on to need the emergency services or reach crisis point with their mental health or wellbeing.

In October 2024, the SOS Bus Norwich became an independent charity which is entirely volunteer run. . Which is why we now need your help!

Thank you for making a difference!

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