Bridge Creative

Bridge Creative was founded to improve employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults across County Durham. With one of the highest rates of unemployment among adults with learning disabilities in England, the need for change was clear - at the time, only 11 adults in a county of over 500,000 were in paid employment.

The idea for Bridge Creative began when their founder, Ben Tinkler, was working at a day service for adults with learning disabilities whilst also organising a music festival in County Durham. As part of the festival, he supported a young man from the day service to take on a role at the event. Seeing the impact that experience had - boosting confidence, providing real work experience, and opening new possibilities - Ben recognised the urgent need for more inclusive employment opportunities. That moment sparked the idea behind Bridge Creative.

Today, they work with over 300 autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities across the North East and London. Through real work experience, skill-building, and exciting opportunities, they raise the aspirations of people we support and ultimately support people to lead the best life possible.

Bridge Creative has bases in the North East and London and operates nationally, working with leading associations and companies within the events, arts, and creative industries to create inclusive employment opportunities across the UK.