Dream becomes reality as Maidenhead autism charity launches sensory bus

A dream has become a reality for the Stand Out for Autism charity as it prepares to launch its mobile sensory bus.

The charity, founded by Bell Street resident Holly Clarke, has been fundraising for its ambitious project to convert a bus into a mobile sensory unit for children and adults with autism.

The wheels have been in motion since February 2023 but the bus is finally set to be available to the community after months of tireless design work.

Holly told the Advertiser: “Our design company, Mike Ayres Design, have gone above and beyond with the design and how they’ve brought this dream to a reality is quite phenomenal.

“There’s been a lot of very hard work.

“I really feel now we’ve got the bus here and people can see it and visit it, we’ll get to see the benefits it will make to children and adults with autism.

“That’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

Holly, whose son Harry has autism and verbal dyspraxia, set herself the goal of launching the sensory bus to provide a safe space for people with autism where they can relax and take a break.

The charity secured a £20,000 grant from the Wooden Spoon charity as well as funding from the Shanly Foundation and the Louis Baylis Charitable Trust to make the project a reality.

The bus has been kitted out with features including an interactive sound and light panel, hanging fibre optic lights and an infinity panel which changes colour and speed.

The charity is hoping to visit mainstream schools to offer an escape for students with autism as well as community events in the borough.

Holly added: “Our primary goal with the bus is to work with mainstream schools in the borough and take the sensory room to them throughout the year so children in mainstream schools can use the facility.”

There will be a fee to use the facility to cover the bus’s estimated £20,000 yearly running costs but the charity is looking to keep this as sensible as possible.

Volunteer drivers who possess an HGV licence are also needed to help pick up and drop off the sensory bus at three upcoming community events.

This includes the Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday, November 23 and a Santa’s Grotto event at Desborough Bowls Club on Sunday, November 24.

A driver is also required for an event in Maidenhead town centre on Saturday, December 14.

The sensory bus will be offering taster sessions at Maidenhead United Football Club tomorrow (Saturday).

The event will be running from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and those interested can book a 10-minute slot to see what the bus has to offer.

Email standoutforautism@outlook.com to book.