Our Story
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 our 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, we 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, we 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.
Our vision
Creative Opportunities, Together
We believe that real change happens through partnership. We work with people, employers, industries, local authorities and organisations to create meaningful opportunities that empower and enable people with learning disabilities and autistic people to thrive.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. By working together, we open doors to employment, skill-building, and experiences that might not otherwise be accessible. We connect talent with industries, ensuring that opportunities are not just available but are inclusive, supportive, and sustainable.
Whether it’s supporting someone into their first job, making events more accessible, or working with businesses to improve inclusion, our focus remains the same - creating opportunities that matter, together.
Our Mission
Mission Statement
Our mission is to create opportunities that break down barriers to employment for autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities. We champion creativity, social responsibility, and community impact while supporting people to reach their full potential.
We also work with events and festivals to enhance their social responsibility, helping them create inclusive opportunities for autistic adults and adults with a learning disability.
Creativity isn’t just about being artistic - it’s about thinking differently, problem-solving, and finding new ways to make a difference. We believe in innovation and fresh ideas to drive change and achieve our goals.