Medium Cost Interventions
8. Safer Nights Out Van
The Safer Nights Out (SNO) van is a customised minibus that is stationed in Northamptonshire town entre, during peak nightlight hours (10pm-5am). Its purpose is to provie a safe spac and practical suppot for vulnerable people in the NTE, partcially women and girls, but is ultimately open to anyone who needs help. The aim of the SNO van is to improve the feeling of safety in the NTE, protect vulnerable people, to reduce the demand on emerency services by early intervention and to improve communication between partners in the NTE.The van was purcahsed by Northamptonshire Office of Police and Crime Commissioner together with all the provisions to produce the 'end to ends' service. Equipment in the van includes sick bowls, water, foil blankets, enhanced firt aid kits, anti spiking tools, charging cables etc. The SNO van is staffed by volunteers from Northampton Guardians.
Purchase of used welfare van/minibus: £18-£30,000
Conversion (medical bench, privacy partition, CCTV, power, lighting): £8,000-£15,000
Medical kit & consumables (PPE, first aid, blankets, water): £1,500-£3,000
Branding/ signage: £800-£2,000
Total: £28,300-£50,000
Procurement and fitting of the van; funding was secured in mid 2021 and the van was implemented in December 2021. Addtionally, volunteer recruitment and DBS checks and parntership coordination with police and local authorities will also contirbute to increased roll out time.
Total: 4-6 months
Staffing (assuming 100 operational, 5 hour nights): £28,000-£45,000 per annum
Fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance: £4,200-£8,000 per annum
Total Annual Maintenance Cost: £32,000-£53,000
Effectiveness
One year after the SNO van's implementation in Northampton city centre, more than 2000 vulnerable people have been supported, as well supporting related partners, such as door staff. The SNO van has been described as an invaluable resource, with initial signs suggesting that there has been a reduction in A&E admissions in the identified area during the times the SNO van was deployed.