The West Suffolk SOS Bus
offers support to people who are out and about in Newmarket
during the evening at weekends.
It
operates on the Town’s High Street
outside the Post Office from 9pm to 3.00am on
Saturdays.
It is there to
help people experiencing:
- Emotional
distress
- Alcohol and substance misuse
- Social
isolation
- Lack of immediate finance
- Health
concerns
- Relationship breakdowns
The SOS Bus team
can offer a variety of support and information, such as helping
vulnerable young people organise a safe return home, or providing
refreshment and a safe place to sit for anyone who is dehydrated.
The bus has a fully equipped medical area on board, with first aid
provided and managed by St Johns Ambulance personnel.
During weekdays
the bus acts as a mobile community resource. West Suffolk groups,
organisations and statutory agencies can hire the bus to offer
services such as youth outreach work, health care awareness and
training, safety and housing information, and much
more.
“The grant from
the Safer Suffolk Foundation has helped with the fitting and
setting up of the SOS bus, which aims to provide a safe and
welcoming environment to young people who need help. This should
improve community safety for vulnerable young people,” said Sue
McAllister, Project Manager.
To find out more
about the West Suffolk SOS Bus, visit the website at
http://www.westsuffolksosbus.org/
Picture Caption (left to
right): Lindsey Morgan (PCSO), Sue McAllister, Project Manager for
the SOS bus and Mark Shipton (SNT Sgt) outside the
SOS bus on
launch day.