Bath Safe Bus is a new project, part of The Bath BID’s Safe and Secure activities. The aim of the safe bus is to provide a safe space for vulnerable people late at night.
Bath’s Safe Bus aims to supports a variety of people in Bath’s night time economy who may not require emergency care, but may benefit from a safe space to talk and be listened to, get support or advice or seek first aid.
The project will also help to reduce anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, and other criminal behaviour in the city centre, whilst also supporting the emergency services to reduce calls on A&E and the demand on the Police services. ‘Safe Spaces’ are having a huge impact on communities around the UK, saving over £9 for every £1 invested to services such as A&E, the Police and the Ambulance service.
The Safe Bus is present in the city every Friday and Saturday night from 22:30 to 04:30 and will be available for other busy nights such as Bank Holidays, Fresher’s Week, Bath Rugby matches, Bath Christmas Market and other big events in the city.
Staffed by medical, security and volunteer teams, it can provide ‘first response’ help to the community, including visitors, students, residents and female members of the street community.
In its first few weeks of operation, the Safe Bus has treated almost 200 people, with a significant number presenting with health issues which were dealt with at the bus, thereby avoiding a callout of the local emergency ambulance team.
The ‘Safe Bus’ is a key part part of the Bath BID’s Safe and Secure Business Crime Reduction Partnership and is operated in collaboration with the Emergency Services, B&NES Council, the Universities, Venues, Bath City Pastors and Local Volunteers.
Safe Bus – Volunteers Wanted!
We are on the look out for enthusiastic and caring Volunteers. The Volunteers will work alongside and support medical and security staff in assisting and providing support and, where appropriate, non-emergency care to individuals who may self-present or be referred from one of the partners such as South Western Ambulance Service SWAS, Avon and Somerset Police, door staff, licensed premises, transport providers and Street Pastors. Care may also be given to victims of crime to support Avon and Somerset Police, relatives/carers and those who may only require signposting to additional services.
This exciting volunteer opportunity is ideally suited to anyone seeking a career in a caring profession, such as nursing, mental health or drugs services as it will give first-hand experience supporting vulnerable people. The volunteer training and ongoing mentoring in the Safe Bus will strengthen the volunteer’s CV and help build their knowledge of vulnerability, safeguarding and related areas. Most importantly, however, this volunteering post will give a strong sense of satisfaction and giving back to the community, as you get the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives and help make sure everyone gets home safe.
If you would like to register your interest to be a Safe Bus Volunteer, please click on the link below and return your completed form to nick.bishop@bathbid.co.uk.
Bath Safe Bus Volunteer Application Form
Volunteer – Bath Safe Bus Role Description
