Binky the Sensory Bus
What is Binky?
Binky is our new, exciting & very unique project at A-ND, on the road from August 2023. Check out our latest video of Binky below 👇🏼
In partnership with SensationALL, we will offer outreach & sensory support on Binky the Sensory Bus to autistic & neurodivergent children & young people, some with additional support needs, aged between 4 & 18 years old throughout the North of Scotland.
The first & only double decker sensory bus in Scotland offering this unique & specialised sensory support, if not in the whole of the UK!
Binky can be hired privately for events - please contact us for further details.
Currently, there is a cost for support provided by our teams on Binky, usually funded through Self Directed Support, privately, through your local authority, local school or education provider.
If we could provide free support, we absolutely would, regardless of age, post code, location or background. However to enable us to pay our valued staff a Real Living Wage, we require support to be fully funded. We are working hard to try & achieve equitable support for all who want & need it.
The double decker bus has been donated & running costs (storage, maintenance & fuel) funded by Stagecoach for the next 3 years from 2023 - 2026 - HUGE thank you to Stagecoach!
Internally, Binky was fitted out by SpaceKraft in May 2023, funded by a number of funders & very kind donation from Serica Energy. It took us 2 years to raise the funds needed to kit Binky out internally, but we got there!
We are planning to visit the following areas on a weekly basis from October 2023 (subject to change):
-
Fraserburgh
-
Peterhead
-
Inverbervie
Once the Binky project has been established in Inverbervie, Fraserburgh & Peterhead, we will aim to grow our offer further out into Aberdeenshire & Moray, funding dependent, in 2024. As an extension of our vital & highly sought after outreach support service, Binky will help us reach further into Aberdeenshire & Moray than we ever have been able to before.
SensationALL will offer support, sensory stay & play sessions & work with children, families & schools from 9am to 3pm, as well as offer Learning Pathways Plus support. A-ND will offer outreach support to children & young people (ages 4 -18) from our dedicated & trained team, initially from 3pm to 9pm, based on Binky in the same areas & on the same days, together with support groups.
Days & times may vary subject to demand & funding.
How is support on Binky funded?
Self Directed Support (SDS), privately or an individual agreement with local authorities, schools or local community groups. We are currently applying for funding to enable subsidised support & sessions, however will not find out if successful until end of 2023.
Are you a school, playgroup, nursery, community group or organisation in North Scotland interested in having a visit from Binky & our teams?
Contact Francesca, our Service Manager on 01224 277 900 or email us at referrals@a-nd.org.uk.
Want to Hire Binky for an event or private function/party?
You can hire Binky as a safe & sensory space for major events, as well as for birthday parties for a half or full day on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. For availability & prices, please contact us at our head quarters on 01224 277 900 or email admin@a-nd.org.uk
How do I make a referral?
Contact our Head Quarters on 01224 277 900 or email referrals@a-nd.org.uk by clicking on the 'REFER HERE' button below.
