A NEW lifesaving community bus has been launched in Colchester, helping the police and the NHS to continue to save thousands each year.
Open Road, a Colchester-based charity which supports individuals and families with drug and alcohol addiction issues, first launched its SOS bus in 2008 in the city centre.
The new SOS bus has a fully equipped medical room on board which is staffed by trained paramedics, with many people being treated for head injuries who for whatever reason have not sought hospital treatment.
The new bus was unveiled by Colchester mayor John Jowers at an event at the Slug and Lettuce in High Street on Friday.
“It just shows that Colchester has got altruism," he said.
“People are prepared to give up their time, just out of the goodness of their hearts."
Colchester city councillor David King added: “It was great to hear from independent observers that we are leading the way in terms of the support we give to the most vulnerable.
“It’s a necessity of the modern age and it’s great we are playing such a leading role.”
Volunteer Dennis Barnett, who was awarded an MBE in 2022 for his SOS bus volunteering, said the new bus was lighter and is solar-powered and chargeable.
Colchester Conservative election candidate James Cracknell revealed he went on the old bus before Christmas, which had some issues with starting, needing batteries and generators to leave the High Street.
“The best thing about it is the layer of protection it offers people on a night out and it gives people the dignity they deserve," he said.
“The service is appreciated by the whole of Colchester, including the bars and pubs who know it is here to protect people.”
Instead of being scrapped, the old SOS bus is being put to use for education and information events due to £15,000 of funding from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Sarah Wright, chief executive of Open Road, said: “We know it offers reassurance and comfort to many and cuts down on serious incidents in the city centre.
"It is, literally, a lifesaver as was proven late last year when two people were saved by the actions of the staff and volunteers on the bus.
“We’re grateful to our funders and supporters for enabling us to get a new, purpose-built bus on the road.”
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