Brighton and Hove Buses mock bus for learning disabilities

The new community space at the Brighton and Hove Buses travel shop in North Street includes a wooden bus with ticket reader and seats to help build people's confidence about travelling on buses.

On the walls of the new centre is a "living" map of Brighton and Hove designed by artists Helen Cann and Thomas Buckley, projecting images representative of the city onto a map.

Helen Cann, an award-winning illustrator who lives in Brighton, said: “I’ve loved creating this living map for Brighton and Hove Buses.

"It’s a joyful ode to the city and the bus service with its big multi-coloured heart. I hope it encourages residents and visitors alike to take a ride, visit all that our wonderful coastline offers and really feel part of somewhere.”

Inside the mock bus (Image: Brighton and Hove Buses)

The model bus is designed with the new livery and will be used in partnership with community groups to develop and build travel confidence The bus was created by the Wood Recycling Project using reclaimed wood.

Claire Hudson, travel training lead at Grace Eyre, the Hove charity for people with learning disabilities, said: “Grace Eyre and Travel Buddy are very excited to be able to use this new space to help teach members of the community with additional needs, a learning disability and/or autism to travel confidently and safely within their communities, improving their life experience and independence.

"We’re especially happy to do so as a continuation of the long-standing, strong relationship we have with Brighton and Hove Buses.”

Ed Wills, managing director at Brighton and Hove Buses, said: “We’re extremely proud of the space we have created at the North Street Travel Shop in partnership with some very talented local artists and a local charity.

"Our work with the community is vital and it’s hugely exciting to be creating more spaces where that work can continue.”

The space is at 27 North Street, opposite the Post and Telegraph Wetherspoons.