YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk

Helping young people towards a brighter future

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Sos Bus Logo

Welcome to the SOS Bus, part of YMCA Norfolk.

We offer a variety of services and support by working in conjunction with other agencies.

This enables us to offer help, advice and support to any individual in need of assistance. One of the main aims of the project is to reduce the pressure on the emergency services, reduce ambulance call outs and unnecessary admissions to A&E.

About Us

The SOS Bus is a project managed by YMCA Norfolk, funded solely by the Integrated Care Board. The team is made up of two workers, a Senior Community Engagement Worker and a Community Engagement Worker, the rest is made up of volunteers from the local community.

Where to find us

The SOS Bus is located in Kings Lynn town centre on Norfolk Street outside QD Stores, accessible by vehicle or foot.

Our Services

We provide assistance to anyone needing help during their night out. Regardless of your injury or difficulty we will endeavour to assist. We have recently purchased a defibrillator which is located on the SOS Bus. We have a treatment area inside our unit.

You can apply for a voucher by contacting us. You will need to complete a short assessment with a staff member, if you meet the criteria, we will issue you a Food Bank voucher.

We can provide food parcels if you are in difficulty, subject to stock availability. We have bakery items available over the weekend which are donated by local supermarkets. The SOS Bus is proud to have a food hygiene rating of 5.

Free condoms, non-latex and lubricant, we hope to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies, STI’s and STD’s.

We are the first organisation in Norfolk to offer a needle exchange facility between 9pm and 3am on a Friday and Saturday.

The SOS bus can help you by providing signposting, leaflets, information and referral options for the following areas: alcohol and drugs, safeguarding, domestic abuse, sexual assault, homelessness, mental health, addiction and debt advice. Please ask a staff member who will be happy to assist you with your query. 

The c-card scheme is aimed at young people between 13-24 years old who can register to get a range of free condoms, femidoms, lube, dams, information and advice.

The aim of the service is to promote reproductive and sexual health and help young people to access local service

Tired feet, heels hurting? Why not prevent further injury and pick up a pair of flip flops. We do ask for a small donation to help with our costs.

We offer blankets, clothing, hats, gloves and scarves. We do ask for a donation for the blankets to help cover our costs.

We offer free tea, coffee, soup, hot chocolate, this helps you to keep warm during the winter months or a hot soup to warm up especially during the winter months. We provide free bottles of water to keep everyone hydrated.

We work with organisations locally which creates clear pathways between agencies including Norfolk Constabulary, East of England Ambulance Service, Norfolk Safeguarding Children and Adults Board, Harbour Centre, CGL, and the Integrated Care Board. By working together, we are able to provide a wide spectrum of support. We attend community meetings to ensure we are up to date with local trends and the needs of the community.

We are kindly donated items by the Kings Lynn Hygiene Bank so we can offer personal hygiene and household items for free to support anyone who is in need and or facing poverty. Sanitary wear is also available.

We provide free Spikey’s. Protect yourself and others from drink spiking. The Spikey fits inside the top of your bottle. The small hole through the centre is just the right size to slide a straw through. By closing the gap between the straw and edge of the bottle you are greatly reducing the possibility of your drink being spiked.  

Waiting to meet friends or for your lift home? We have a safe space for you to sit and wait.