Bath Safe Bus, a safe place in the heart of Bath
Bath Safe Bus is a double award-winning project, part of the Bath BID’s Safe and Secure BCRP activities. It aims to provide a safe space for vulnerable people late at night during weekends.
The Safe Bus runs every Friday and Saturday from 10.30pm to 4.30am and may be available for other busy nights such as Bank Holidays, Fresher’s Week, and other big events in the city of Bath.
Parked on Orange Grove, the Safe Bus is in the heart of the city and easy to find. People can access its services by walking in offer the street and can be brought in by friends or members of the public.
Staffed by medical, and security teams, it provides ‘first response’ help to the community, including visitors, students, and residents. It also supports the emergency services to reduce 999 calls.
Pubs, clubs, members of the public and emergency services can call the Safe Bus for assistance and advice if they have a concern about someone’s wellbeing.
Who we are?
The Bath Safe Bus is a part of the Bath BIDs’ Safe and Secure Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) and works in collaboration with the Emergency Services, B&NES Council, University of Bath, Bath Spa University, Venues and Bath City Pastors.
What do we do?
We offer immediate assistance to anyone requiring a safe space while visiting Bath’s pubs, clubs and nightlife on Fridays and Saturday nights. We provide immediate non-judgemental, independent medical help and support.
We aim to reduce unnecessary ambulance call-outs and attendance at A&E and free up Police Officer time by offering immediate assistance to anyone at risk presenting themselves to the Bath Safe Bus team. The team is in radio contact with the Police, Ambulance Services, CCTV, local pubs and nightclubs via a digital radio system, by which clients are frequently referred to the
service.
As well as offering medical care and emotional support, the Bath Safe Bus also offers the following services and amenities:
The team is here to help.
Partners
For this project, Bath BID teamed up with:
Donate
Help us raise £15,000 to support the Bath Safe Bus, a non-judgemental safe space for anyone who becomes vulnerable in Bath city centre on Friday and Saturday nights.
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) onboard paramedic who ensures that the service provided is both safe and of the highest standard.
To learn more about the project, please contact Nick Bishop or follow us on social media
