SOS Bus returns to Norwich ahead of first weekend with pubs open
The service is there to help partygoers.
The SOS Bus is going to be back in Norwich from tomorrow night (17th April) for the first full weekend since pub gardens were allowed to reopen in England.
The bus which offers ‘a safe space in the heart of Norwich’, will be in its usual spot on Prince of Wales Road.
What services do they offer?
The SOS bus provides a place of respite for anyone who may feel that they are in danger. This can cover anything from physical harm to mental distress.
The SOS bus also helps people with more minor issues, providing necessities such as water, flip-flops, and phone chargers.
We spoke to Beth Williams, the SOS Bus Development Manager, about the service the charity provides.
She told us why their work is so important: “Norfolk and Norwich hospital, the A&E department and the police all wanted to know if we were opening because they know that we’re there as a resource to take the load off them, to be able to look after people.”
With this weekend being the first in which pubs are open for a very long time, it is expected that venues across town will be fairly busy.
But with this new-found freedom, it is vital that people continue to stay safe. Due to COVID guidelines, the SOS Bus has had to make a number of changes.
“We’ve had to do some slight modifications to the bus to make sure we had infection control processes in place and obviously everyone has their personal protective equipment.
"We have less space on the bus so whereas on a busy night we would have been able to squeeze in five people, we’re now down to only two.”
Want to become an SOS Bus volunteer?
If volunteering for the SOS bus sounds like something you might be interested in, the charity is keen to welcome you.
“We do need more volunteers urgently, that’s quite a priority at the moment. We need volunteers who are willing to help us with clients on the bus, and we also need category C license holders to drive our bus in, which is our base.”
In order to become a volunteer, you can either visit their website or contact them by email at info@sosbus.co.uk.
So what can you do now that the rules have changed?
COVID guidelines now allow groups of up to six to convene in outdoor hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants.
Customers must stay seated at their tables and check in with the NHS app (or provide their details to the venue).
Other outdoor attractions such as zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas are also open.
Additionally, non-essential retail, personal care premises and indoor leisure facilities are now open.
How many people can I meet outside?
The "rule of six" means that six people from different households can meet up outside. More people can meet outside if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
Can I have people in my garden?
Yes, you can have people in your garden because both the rule of six and the two household rule apply to private outdoor spaces, including gardens.
Can I use my friend's toilet?
Yes, if necessary, you can enter someone's house to use the bathroom. However in these instances, you should wear a face covering, maintain social distancing from anyone not in your bubble, wash your hands thoroughly and immediately return outside when you are finished.
Can I get my hair cut by a hairdresser at home?
Yes, mobile hairdressers were allowed to resume work alongside other personal care premises from 12th April, meaning you can get your hair professionally cut at home.
How many people can I meet in a beer garden?
Groups of six people from different households can gather in beer gardens or the outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants. Restaurants and pubs must serve people outdoors via table service.
Can I go to weddings?
It depends on the number of guests. Weddings and commemorative events, including wakes, can go ahead with 15 guests. Wedding receptions are also permitted to have 15 guests as long as they take place outdoors. Meanwhile, 30 people can attend funerals.
Can I go clothes shopping?
Non-essential retail is allowed to resume meaning many stores, including clothes shops, are once again welcoming customers.
Can I take my child to a parent-child group indoors?
Yes, parent-children groups are now allowed to take place indoors with up to 15 adults, as children under 5 do not count towards this 15 attendee maximum.
Are children included in the rule of six?
Yes, children of all ages are included in the rule of six. However, if only two households are meeting up, there is no limit on the number of people. For example, six adults and four children from three different households cannot meet up, but the same number from only two households would be permitted.
Can we go inside if the weather's bad?
Unfortunately even if the weather turns you still cannot socialise inside with people who are not in your bubble. Indoor household mixing is expected to be reintroduced from 17th May if all goes to plan with the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.
Can I stay away overnight?
It depends. On 12th April, self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households. You can therefore stay in a caravan or in self-contained holiday lets with your household or bubble. However, you cannot go away with anyone out with your household or bubble, or stay at someone's house who is not in your bubble.