What is Binky the Sensory Bus?
The first, and as far as we know the only, double decker sensory bus in Scotland, if not in the whole of the UK, offering a unique and specialised mobile sensory environment by a trained team!
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Internally, Binky was fitted out by SpaceKraft in May 2023, funded by a number of funders and 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!
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As an extension of our vital & highly sought after outreach support service, Binky will help us reach further into Aberdeenshire, Moray and soon Highlands, more than we ever have been able to before.
Binky the Sensory Bus is a unique project, on the road since August 2023. In partnership with SensationALL, and partly funded by Aberdeenshire Council through the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund (WFWF), we will offer outreach and sensory support on Binky the Sensory Bus to autistic and neurodivergent children and young people and their families, some with additional support needs, aged between 4 and 18 years old in the areas of Peterhead and Fraserbrugh (2 days per week during school term time).
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We also hope to provide afterschool and outreach support on Binky in these areas out with the WFWF, and this can be arranged seperately through our Outreach Service.
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Binky can be hired privately for events - please contact us for further details.
How is Binky the Sensory Bus Funded?
Currently, we have some funding from Aberdeenshire Council, through the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund, enabling us to deliver free support to children and families from 9am to 3pm, once per week in Peterhead and once per week in Fraserburgh, starting April/May 2024.
Any additional support provided by our team on Binky will require to be funded through Self Directed Support, privately, or 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 and achieve equitable support for all who want and need it.
The double decker bus has been donated and running costs (storage, maintenance & fuel) funded by Stagecoach for the next 3 years from 2023 - 2026 - HUGE thank you to Stagecoach!
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Are you interested in having a visit from Binky & our team?
Contact our Head Quarters on 01224 277 900 or email us at referrals@a-nd.org.uk.
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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. For availability & prices, please contact us at our head quarters on 01224 277 900 or email referrals@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.
