Health Drive takes to the road with Arriva and Manchester United

Arriva has teamed up with the Manchester United Foundation and Salford Community Health to bring health services into local communities with a customised Health Drive Bus.

The bus, which has been kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment and consultation facilities, will be used to support local health campaigns and assist in bringing health checks and services to local people in a convenient and mobile unit. The Health Drive Bus was officially launched at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United FC, and was supported by United player Darren Fletcher.

Arriva donated the vehicle, a single deck Volvo bus from its Birkenhead garage, and has committed to providing drivers, as well as fuel and maintenance for the duration of the three-year project.

Mike Cooper, managing director of Arriva UK Bus, said: “The health and wellbeing of the communities we serve is hugely important to us. By raising awareness of a wide range of key health issues, we hope that Arriva’s involvement in this far-reaching project will have a positive effect throughout Salford and the Greater Manchester area.”

John Shiels Chief Executive, Manchester United Foundation said: “Promoting healthy lifestyles is a huge part of the work that we undertake and we are delighted to be involved in such an exciting project. The bus helps take positive messages out into our local communities and provides a real visual element to the importance of good health”.

Dr Mike Burrows, Chief Executive, NHS Salford added: “I am delighted to see the Health Drive Bus come to fruition. We had the idea some time ago to work in partnership with Manchester United and Arriva to provide something a little bit different in terms of bringing health services to people’s doorsteps. I think the bus really helps us do that.”

The Health Drive Bus will now embark on a busy programme of events throughout the year to help deliver key health messages to Salford and Greater Manchester communities.

Mike Cooper, managing director, Arriva UK Bus, with Darren Fletcher (signing the bus) of Manchester United FC at the launch event.