An initiative to improve safety and offer support to visitors in the centre of Bath at night has been provided £20,000 of funding by the city’s two universities.
The Bath Safe Bus operates weekly in the city centre
Bath BID’s Bath Safe Bus has received the money from Bath Spa University and the University of Bath, helping it to continue delivering its welfare service.
Bath Safe Bus provides a safe space for the public during the weekends, delivering welfare support and medical care.
As well as improving women’s safety and the perceived fear of crime in the city centre, it also helps to reduce the burden on local emergency services.
Launched in March 2023, Bath Safe Bus is approaching its two-year anniversary and over that time has supported 634 people, dealt with 338 welfare incidents and treated 289 medical incidents which have been fully resolved at the Bath Safe Bus.
Service users to the Bath Safe Bus include 183 students who have been supported and cared for by the team, until they are well enough to return home safely.
Based on data from The King’s Fund and Hudgell Solicitors, since launching, Bath Safe Bus has saved the NHS nearly £330,000, equating to £120,802 in NHS Accident & Emergency costs and £208,658 in transportation and overnight stays at a hospital.
Sponsorship is key to securing the future of the multi-award-winning project, which is run by Bath BID, an independent, not-for-profit, business-led initiative working to create the environment for businesses in Bath to succeed.
This most recent sponsorship from each university will help to cover the costs involved with the operational running of the bus, the majority of which goes towards funding a fully qualified (FREC 4+) on-board paramedic or technician who ensures that the service provided is both safe and reliable, whilst reducing the pressures on the emergency services.
Rebecca Schaaf, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Bath Spa University, said: “We are so proud to be able to support an initiative that not only benefits our students but also provides an invaluable service to the wider community.
“We know the difference that having a dedicated safe and reliable space that is available and accessible to anyone in need, makes to our city centre.
“We also know how busy emergency vehicles can be, so anything that can relieve pressure on our local services deserves to be celebrated!”
Ian Blenkharn, University Secretary and Registrar at the University of Bath, said: “With over 20,000 students from our university alone in the city, the need for safety and welfare initiatives cannot be overstated.
“Knowing that The Bath Safe Bus is there to provide students and the community with emotional and medical support is hugely reassuring.
“It’s wonderful to be able to support an initiative that makes such a tangible difference, as well as easing the strain on local emergency services.”
Funding for the Bath Safe Bus was provided by the Home Office via the Safer Streets Fund for the first year, but it is now reliant on BID levy income and sponsorship.
As well as the sponsorship from the universities, the scheme also receives support from Labyrinth Nightclub, Norland Nannies, Bath College and Bath & North East Somerset Public Health and Preventative Services.
Nick Bishop, Business Manager at Bath BID, said of the project: “As we enter our third year of operation, in order to continue to deliver support to students and others in the city late at night, it is important for us to raise funds through sponsorship and fundraising.
“We are so grateful to have received such generous donations from both of our local universities, Bath College and several local businesses, all of which enables us to continue offering our vital service to the whole community.”
