Donations sought to set up late night Safe Bus

The bus will be fitted with a medical area, benches, charging points and solar panels

An appeal to raise £70,000 for a Safe Bus - a mobile welfare and first aid hub - has been launched in Nottingham.

It's In Nottingham, the city's business promotion group, wants to convert a donated vehicle into a fully equipped space where trained welfare officers, volunteers, and medical staff can offer first aid, support, and a safe place to rest.

It would operate in the city centre during weekends and major events, giving practical help for those who are injured, lost, or vulnerable, organisers said.

As well as benefiting those enjoying a night out, it could also ease pressure on local emergency services and hospitals.

It's In Nottingham said that while the city's night time economy of bars, clubs, and restaurants brought many benefits, it created challenges for police and welfare teams.

A seven-day pilot project with St John Ambulance last Christmas supported 102 people, with 73 managed on location without needing hospital treatment.

The estimated £30,000 – £50,000 in savings to the NHS could translate into £1.6 –£2.7m annually if a similar facility was made permanent, it said.

Nottingham City Transport has already donated the bus but the initiative also has the backing of Nottingham City Council, trentbarton, Nottingham Street Pastors and both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.

During the day, the bus would also serve as a base for community health campaigns, student outreach, and city events.

The team is now asking for public and business support through a crowdfunding campaign for the refit, which includes an on-board medical area with sink, bed, and running water.

It would also include solar panels and accessibility improvements, along with heating, lighting, and welfare seating.

Rich Lane, head of operations and business crime at It's In Nottingham, said: "It's quite a simple idea.

"It's just a normal bus. All the seats are removed. We've got a medical provision that will be in the back but then some nice long benches down the interior of the bus where you can charge your mobile phone or you can sit and just have a few moments to contemplate your thoughts.

"And it's just a safe space where we've got medical provision that's there.

"We've got street pastors that will be working. We'll have welfare units from universities that will be on board and assisting.

"Ultimately it's just somewhere that you can go and sit."