by Jenni Horn

jhorn@thekmgroup.co.uk

Revellers in Rochester will be able to go to the SOS Bus for help for the first time tonight.

The bright orange vehicle will provide a safe haven for people suffering from the effects of drugs or alcohol, offering first aid and advice to ensure they get home safe and sound.

The bus has life-saving equipment on board and is split into three rooms - a medical room which will have oxygen and a defibrillator, an open area with seating and a private room.

The SOS bus will be located on Blue Boar Lane, Rochester from 9pm until 3am every Friday and Saturday.

For the first night, volunteers who will be working on the bus will be joined by Chief Supt Steve Corbishley.

The area commander for Kent Police in Medway said: "The bus is set to be an excellent addition to Medway and will help vulnerable people who need support on a Friday and Saturday night.

"However, the bus is not just going to be working during the evenings. During the day it will be getting out to local communities, schools and drop in centres to offer a variety of health and safety advice as well as supporting community events."

The bus has been funded by Medway Police, Medway Council and the NHS and cost £200,000 to get up and running.

Cllr Rehman Chishti, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, said: "There are a great many benefits of this bus being out and about in Medway and further shows our resolve to provide a safe environment for our residents and visitors to socialise in.

"While we always urge people to act responsibly when enjoying a night out there will always be occasions where people require assistance.

"I hope this first night of operation demonstrates how useful the SOS bus will be in providing that assistance and over the lifetime of its operation, the benefits that will be gained by helping to reduce hospital admissions for minor ailments, and helping health managers reach out to the public by providing accessible information and services."

If you would like to become a volunteer on the SOS Bus, contact the SOS Bus Coordinator Robin Whafe on 07817760860 or robin@kvsmedway.org.uk.