Plymouth's Safe Bus is available to provide support, medical assistance and a safe space for anyone who needs help on a night out.

Thousands of students arrive in the city to begin university from Monday, September 21, and the static bus service will be available throughout freshers' week.

It will be parked at Derry’s Cross roundabout (outside TimberVault) between 11pm - 5am.

The solar-powered safe bus offers medical care, phone charging facilities, drinking water and practical assistance to help people get home safely.

PC Deb Hart, of Devon & Cornwall Police, who supports the running of the bus, said: “Plymouth remains a safe, fun and vibrant place in the evenings, but we know how important it is to provide a safe space if people are in need of support or if things don’t quite go as planned.

"With the influx of new students from across the country, we want to make sure as many of them as possible know about the bus and how it can help if they need it."

Between April 2024 and March earlier this year, the bus welcomed more than 1,300 people on board.

More than half of those visitors received treatment from onboard paramedics, helping to reduce pressure on ambulance services by an estimated 400 call-outs.

Around 500 people used the service for general support from the team, including assistance getting home safely, charging their phone or simply taking a break from the nightlife environment.

Following freshers’ week, the bus will return to its regular Saturday deployment, with revised operating hours of 11pm to 5am.

Plymouth Citybus supported the police in providing the bus. Bus funders include University of Plymouth, Safer Streets 4, Victim Support and Plymouth City Council.

Those managing the bus weekly, include Best Bar None, the NHS and Western Medical Services.