The life-saving services of Norwich's SOS bus will continue for another year after the project secured �78,000 of vital funding from the NHS.

From their regular base on Prince of Wales Road, the bus and its accompanying medical unit provide a safe haven for vulnerable people every Friday and Saturday night between 9pm and 3am.

Although relying heavily on volunteers, public donations and corporate sponsorship, the valuable late-night lifeline could not operate without the core grants which help employ specialist staff.

So the team was thrilled when NHS Norfolk confirmed its funding for the scheme for 2012/13 – the fifth consecutive year it has supported the project.

Sarah Mintey, principal of the Open Youth Trust which operates and manages the bus, said: 'We are delighted and relieved to know that the SOS service is secure for another financial year.

'The bottom line is that each year we have to employ a part-time project administrator, and the money itself pays for a nurse practitioner to be on shift every Friday and Saturday night. It pays for a security guard to man the service.

'It is all about getting folk home safe and sound, and the service is there for everyone. Over a quarter of clients coming onto the bus are receiving treatment that has nothing to do with alcohol.

'This year alone the bus has been instrumental in saving the lives of four individuals. One of those had not touched a drop of alcohol, but fell down the stairwell at a club.'

Earlier this month, prime minister David Cameron hailed the project as an 'innovative' solution in helping to ease the strain on already-stretched accident and emergency departments.

Since November 2008, more than 1,500 people have used Norwich's SOS Bus, with ages ranging from 13 to 87. Although it dealt with many alcohol-related issues, the service also helped people who were unwell, injured, unable to get home, in fear of violence – or simply needing someone to talk to.

The trust is keen to attract more volunteers, particularly people who hold a public service vehicle (PSV) licence, and will arrange relevant training for specific roles.

nAnyone interested in volunteering should contact Jenny Smith 01603 763111.