SOS Bus: A Lifeline in Newmarket

John Borda, Chair of the SOS Bus CIO and a parishioner at Our Lady Immaculate and St Etheldreda, Newmarket, has been at the heart of a vital community initiative for the past 15 years.

The SOS Bus, a converted Dennis Dart, has been operating in Newmarket, primarily on Saturday nights, as a mobile first aid unit and safe space. While its core activity is based on Newmarket’s High Street, the bus has also supported events as far afield as Ipswich. After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, it is now back in regular service.

“When I first got involved, Racing Welfare had just acquired the bus,” John recalls. “It still had two side doors and hadn’t yet been fitted out. My very first meeting was actually on board before it had even been wrapped. I went on to design the original website. Then in 2019, when I learned the project was due to be mothballed, I established a new charity to take it over.”

Under John’s leadership, the SOS Bus has continued to provide care and a calm space in the town centre. The vehicle includes a first aid room, kitchenette and seating area, as well as a defibrillator, phone charging stations and its own generator for use where mains power is unavailable. It is stocked with water, foil blankets, feminine hygiene products and other essentials.

In 2024 alone, the SOS Bus attended 21 events and supported 161 individuals, 16 of whom required first aid. In Newmarket, the bus is stationed outside the Post Office on the High Street from 9.30pm to approximately 3am, just a short walk from the ARK nightclub.

“We’ve built a strong working relationship with the club’s management and door staff,” says John. “They often direct people to us and in some cases even carry them over when help is needed. By helping people sober up in a safe space, we’re not only reducing anti-social behaviour, but also easing pressure on local A&E departments and keeping vulnerable individuals out of harm’s way. It improves the town’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place to enjoy a night out.”

To continue and expand this important work, the SOS Bus is currently looking for more volunteers. These could include general helpers, trained or aspiring first aiders (aged 16+), drivers, or those willing to assist with charity administration. Full training is available.

The team is also seeking corporate sponsorship and grant funding, especially as insurance and operational costs continue to rise. Recent improvements to the vehicle were made possible thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

To get involved or find out more, visit www.sosbus.org.uk, email info@sosbusorg.uk, or follow the team on Facebook: SOS Bus West Suffolk and Instagram: @sosbuscio.

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