SOS Bus

The major volunteering opportunity presented to members during the year was the SOS Bus, inspired by the presentation to the Club by one of our own members Joe Hyland – who is also the Leader of the project.

SOS Bus is an award winning charity based in Belfast. The project originated from a similar project in Norwich which has approximately 50% of the population of Belfast and where over the past 8 years some 5500 people have benefited from this service. After a 2 year consultation process a case was made for an SOS Bus to be established in Belfast and it was launched on 27th November 2007.

The project has a small fleet of vehicles including 2 x 60ft ‘bendy’ buses each equipped with a fully functioning medical centre that are crewed by a Pro Paramedics medical team together with audio visual equipment and IT access wherever they go, a bespoke minibus and 2 towed generators.

Since its inception the bus has been used in Shaftesbury Square, Belfast as a means of support for people who have become distressed or vulnerable through over-indulgence of either alcohol or drugs or who feel threatened or isolated after becoming separated from their friends. The dedicated teams of volunteers reach out to those in need and bring them to the bus where they receive tea and biscuits, medical attention if required and safe transportation home.

From October 2010 their second bus has been deployed at the Odyssey Arena where already they have saved lives and protected vulnerable youngsters in quite desperate need. Overall this project has been a huge success and drawn praise from many quarters including the PSNI, local politicians and the media. To date, SOS Bus has interacted with over 94,000 people and provided in-depth support to over 1,350 individuals on the streets of Belfast including helping potential suicide victims.

Without the generosity and dedication of about 140 volunteers and supporters the bus could not operate. Several Club members have volunteered for the late night shift at the weekend, befriending young people in difficulty from alcohol or drugs, in the Odyssey Arena and ensuring they get home safely. They have found the work gratifying and powerful and intend to continue working to make a difference.

Their experiences, shared with Club members, testify to the importance of this project and its value to vulnerable young people.

Funding is desperately needed to build their internal resources and fund a volunteer coordinator to manage recruitment and training and the Club has been pleased to support SOS Bus in this way with President Brian handing over £500 this year.

Community Outreach is a becoming significant area of their work and they commenced delivery of this activity during 2009 in Ballymurphy, Sliabh Dubh and Glencairn. Having ascertained local needs from June 2010 they now bring the SOS Bus to the Hillhall Estate, Lisburn – a community suffering from significant social disadvantage. Key projects currently being delivered include:

• Diversionary projects for young people to help reduce anti-social behaviour
• Support for carers of people with long-term illness
• Taster sessions on areas such as IT, numeracy and literacy
• Community clean-ups
• Inter-generational projects involving the elderly and young people to promote active partnership and respect
• Health projects with local partners
• Community volunteer programme.