NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) announced on Tuesday that it was scrapping funding for the bus, run by Voluntary Norfolk, after a survey that received more than 500 responses.
Despite the decision, the service will keep running on Prince of Wales Road after the ICB announced it would be providing funding to St John Ambulance.
Following the news, Lucy de Las Casas, Voluntary Norfolk’s director of development, thanked all of the volunteers who have worked on the bus down the years.
She said: “Voluntary Norfolk is disappointed that the Norfolk and Waveney ICB will no longer be funding the SOS Bus from April 2024.
“The ICB has been the major funder of the SOS Bus for many years.
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“The SOS Bus has been a feature of Norwich’s night-time economy for over 20 years and looks after the safety, health and well-being of people on nights out in Norwich’s city centre on Friday and Saturday nights.
“As well as offering medical support for anyone in emotional, physical or mental distress, volunteers provide support such as water, phone charging, taxi booking so people can get home safely, a safe place to wait and advice on other services.”
The service was founded in 2001 following the deaths of Nick Green, 16, and James Toms, 21, in the River Wensum.
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Ms de Las Casas continued: “Last year the SOS Bus helped almost 2,500 people and prevented more than 200 A&E visits or ambulance callouts at a time when emergency services are already stretched.
“Last year, 38 volunteers dedicated over 2,300 hours of their time to ensuring the bus ran effectively.
“Voluntary Norfolk would like to recognise and thank these volunteers for their commitment and contribution to the SOS Bus.
“Voluntary Norfolk will be engaging with volunteers and staff in the coming weeks to determine the future of the SOS Bus.”
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