The award-winning Bishop Auckland social enterprise, Bridge Creative has teamed up with the nationally known dog bus, Billy’s Bus to bring the dog experience to the North East.
Billy’s Bus is more than just a daycare for dogs; it’s a unique experience for every dog, making it their best day out.
Being the UK’s first dog bus, the company has gained national recognition rapidly since its launch. With coverage from Good Morning Britain and even creating a promo film with Disney – they’ve already done it all.
The inspiration for the dog bus came from company owner, Laura Whitson’s cockapoo, Billy.
Like many other dogs, the little fella didn’t really enjoy going to a regular doggy daycare. Just like humans, dogs have their own personalities — and those that are shy or introverted may find it difficult to relax and enjoy themselves around multiple other dogs indoors.
So Laura created a business that gives dogs a way to burn off energy for an entire day but doesn’t overwhelm them.
The dogs get picked up and dropped off at their home, just like the typical yellow school buses do, and set off on a three- to four-hour ride with multiple fun visits. Every pup gets safely secured with a seatbelt and a harness and, most importantly, is not getting put in a crate. Every fella gets an amazing spot at the window, being able to enjoy the lovely landscapes of Bishop Auckland.
Visiting nursing homes and schools to bring joy to the residents and children is another treasure the bus ride offers.
But in County Durham there’s more to it than that: Billy’s Bus isn’t just bringing joy and fun to dogs and their owners — it’s also partnering with Bridge Creative to give adults with learning difficulties and disabilities the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with animals.
Bridge Creative is a social enterprise that supports adults with autism, learning difficulties and other disabilities to improve skills and gain work experience.
Ben Tinkler, founder of Bridge Creative said: “So many of the people we work with want to work with animals, but the opportunity for jobs in that area is so rare – it’s one of those aspirations we hear time and time again that we’ve never really been able to do anything about. Billy’s Bus changes that. It gives people the chance to gain real, paid employment doing something they actually love.”
The community has a certain goal: empowering people to dream big.
Only 29% of autistic people and fewer than 5% of people with learning disabilities are currently a paid employee in the UK, but so many more want to work and make their own money.
Bridge Creative had contacted Laura, and she instantly realised the synergies their enterprises have. Whitston has worked with people with disabilities for over twelve years now, already having an adult with learning difficulties on board every day, and knows the important impact it has on them.
“To give adults who are overlooked in the workforce the chance to find a place of their own, paid work, working within the community, being outdoors and building confidence is my mission. And just like the wonderful team at Bridge Creative, I plan to roll out these buses all across the country to give adults with learning difficulties the same opportunities as everyone else. “
Billy’s Bus will launch in Bishop Auckland in June, and you can already enrol and book a ride for your dog on the website.
Prices start at £25 per ride and include regular updates with photos and videos, pup cappuccinos and various treats, visits to a secured dog park and a proper clean-up before heading back home.
For those facing financial hardship, as well as owners of foster and rescue dogs, the business has a wonderful initiative — every month, they offer four free rides to those who need it the most.
The magic of Billy’s Bus is not to be underestimated. It gives pups the dog’s day out but also creates smiles and joy wherever they go, making it a mood-raiser for everyone.
Carla Krenzke
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
