A new community project led by It’s in Nottingham, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), is calling on local businesses to help bring a new Nottingham Safe Bus to life – a mobile welfare and first aid hub that will support people in Nottingham’s city centre on busy nights out.
The initiative aims to refurbish a decommissioned bus, donated by Nottingham City Transport, into a fully equipped space where trained welfare officers, volunteers, and medical staff can offer first aid, support, and a safe place to rest.
Once complete, the Nottingham Safe Bus will operate in the city centre during weekends and major events, providing practical help for those who are injured, lost, or vulnerable – easing pressure on local emergency services and hospitals.
Every weekend, thousands of people visit Nottingham’s bars, clubs, and restaurants – and while the city’s night-time economy is thriving, it also brings challenges for police and welfare teams.
A short pilot project with St John Ambulance in Christmas 2024 demonstrated the potential impact of having a centralised welfare point. Over just seven nights 102 people were supported by on-site welfare staff and 73 cases were managed on location without needing hospital treatment, saving an estimated £30,000–£50,000 in NHS costs in a single week.
Scaled up year-round, a permanent Safe Bus could save £1.6–£2.7 million annually in avoided ambulance and A&E costs.
The Safe Bus project is being delivered in partnership with Nottingham City Council (providing the bus’ city-centre base), Nottingham City Transport (donating the bus), trentbarton (supporting MOTs, driver training, and servicing), Nottingham Street Pastors (providing on-board welfare support), University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
During the day, the bus will also serve as a base for community health campaigns, student outreach, and city events — ensuring it benefits all parts of the community.
The team is now asking for public and business support through a crowdfunding campaign to raise the remaining funds needed to transform the donated vehicle into a fully equipped Safe Bus.
Funds will cover interior refit and safety-compliant layout, an on-board medical area with sink, bed, and running water, solar panels and sustainable power supply, accessibility improvements, heating, lighting, and welfare seating.
“This is a project built by Nottingham, for Nottingham,” said Rich Lane, head of operations and business crime at It’s in Nottingham. “The Safe Bus will give people somewhere safe to go when they need it most – and help reduce pressure on emergency services. Every pound raised takes us one step closer to making that vision a reality.”
To donate or find out more about the project, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/nottinghamsafebus
Organisations interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can email info@itsinnottingham.com
