Scunthorpe Samaritans wrap a bus to take lifesaving message on the roads.

A bus wrapped to carry the Samaritans’ message to people struggling to cope has taken to the roads in North Lincolnshire and beyond.

The Scunthorpe Samaritans has joined forces with North Lincolnshire bus firm Hornsbys to reach more people who could need the help of the charity’s volunteers.

It is the first time the charity has wrapped a bus. The Hornsbys bus is covered in Samaritans’ green and features messages encouraging those who need help to get in touch by calling 116 123.

The bus will travel on Hornsbys routes throughout North Lincolnshire and to South Yorkshire, covering about 32,000 miles a year. By catching the eye of passengers and passers-by, the charity hopes to reach more people and save even more lives.

Scunthorpe Samaritans volunteer Karen Locking has been working with Hornsbys for two years to get the bus on the road.

“We are pleased to have worked with a local company on this fantastic method of getting the Samaritans’ message out to as many people in North Lincolnshire as possible.

We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support of those who have donated and raised funds for us. After meeting the branch's running costs, we look at how we can publicise our message locally. By putting a bus wrapped with our message on the road, people far and wide will see our message.

We are grateful to Hornsbys for their support in making this possible.”

Karl Robinson, General Manager at Hornsbys, said:

“Mental health is important to the community in North Lincolnshire, and we are happy to be involved in supporting such a worthwhile local charity.”