The Bath Safe Bus, which cares for those in a vulnerable situation late at night, has helped more than 300 people in its first year and has saved the NHS more than £400,000.
The Safe Bus is parked on Orange Grove and runs every Friday and Saturday from 10.30pm to 4.30am, and on other nights such as when there are big events in the city.
It is part of Bath Business Improvement District’s Safe and Secure activities.
People who have perhaps had too much to drink, or have become separated from their friends, can access the Safe Bus by walking in off the street.
Pubs, clubs, members of the public and emergency services can also call the team for assistance and advice if they have a concern about someone’s wellbeing.
Staffed by medical, security and volunteer teams, the Safe Bus provides ‘first response’ help and in its first year it has supported 388 people, with 170 medical incidents fully resolved at the bus.
The team calculated a saving of £340,000 in ambulance costs and £71,060 in A&E costs.
There are tea and coffee facilities on board, as well as food, and people can charge their phones and get spare clothing and flip-flops, as well as sexual health products.
Going into the second year, the team are looking to find partners and sponsors to help them continue delivering the service.
They are also looking for ambulance technicians and paramedics (paid roles) to join the team.