They have kept thousands of people safe on nights out in Dundee, reducing the pressure on the city’s emergency services since 2013.
Now the organisers at Dundee Safe Zone, a non-profit initiative, have appealed for tradespeople to help them kit out their new bus to allow them to keep providing the service.
The Safe Zone operates out of a converted bus with an area for first aid and a space where people can talk, get water or a hot drink, and gain assistance getting home safely.
However, the current vehicle is now 31 years old and has clocked up more than 1,250,000 miles, meaning it is no longer economically viable to maintain it.
Tradespeople willing to donate some of their time are being sought to help a new bus acquired recently.
Arwen Elder, Dundee Safe Zone project co-ordinator, said: “The majority of what we do is helping people to sober up but we’ve also treated minor injuries, reunited friends who’ve become separated, charged phones, provided a friendly ear to those who’ve needed someone to talk to, handed out hot drinks, spikeys, condoms, flip flops, lots of water and helped those who may be vulnerable to find a safe route home.
“The project is predominantly staffed by volunteers, who give up their own time.
“However, we’ve had multiple technical issues with the bus that has seen the cancellation of some shifts and we’ve come to the conclusion that it’s no longer economically viable to repair the existing bus.
“So we’ve bought a new bus. But we need help in getting back up and running.
“We are looking for local trades to assist us with moving the existing conversion from the Safe Zone Bus to the new bus.
“We’ve already had someone look at it and they’ve confirmed it’s a relatively straightforward job but our funds are limited.”
The tradespeople being sought are joiners, shopfitters and electricians, as well as people to help with painting and graphics for the bus.
The Safe Zone is normally stationed in the Lidl car park on South Ward Road, moving around to different spots during special events such as concerts at Slessor Gardens, Dundee Dance Event, Halloween and Hogmanay.
Arwen added: “For every £1 spent on a service like ours, it’s estimated that up to £9.21 is saved for the emergency services and NHS.”
If you think you can help with any aspect of this project, contact Arwen on 07880 382116 or by email at arwen.elder@alcoholtayside.com
