A historic town centre pub is the first business in Bury to become accredited with FAB (Friendly Aware Bury) status.

The Two Tubs should become the first of many local employers who support people with autism and other hidden disabilities.

 The FAB scheme is designed to assist vulnerable people when they are out and about in Bury and was designed by Jane Lord, chief officer at Buddy’s for Children with Autism, a Bury charity based on The Rock. It is particularly relevant to those with a hidden disability such as autism, ADHD, dementia, Crohn’s disease or epilepsy.

Jane said: “Buddy's was set up in 2014, and by 2015 we had a base in Bury town centre, with a cafe (Shakey J's) and a charity shop.

“We provide a kitchen for hire and give young people cookery and daily living skills, along with a safe space for anyone who is anxious while shopping in Bury. We also have a non-alcoholic bar for young adults and host leisure, educational and family groups, and run an employability scheme.

“I met Jacqui Gallagher, landlady at the Two Tubs, and she has been star in helping me to set up FAB. She has had our young adults working at the Two Tubs, in the kitchen, garden, glass collecting and at events. They have also redesigned the beer garden. She goes a long way to make them feel special and is very accepting of their different abilities. Jacqui has passed the training sessions with flying colours, and is a credit to the town.”

“It was heart-warming to see so many people from all walks of life coming together at the Two Tubs for the launch of the FAB scheme. Together we will work to ensure that every person who comes to Bury has a fabulous experience and make sure that Bury is known as a great place for everyone to live, shop, work and enjoy.”

The launch was attended by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Dorothy Gunther, and Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council.

Cllr Shori said: “It was a privilege to award the first accreditation of the Friendly Aware Bury scheme to the Two Tubs.

“The scheme provides in depth training to local businesses on autism and other disabilities including details on how to recognise signs of stress, how to support people in need and how to make small changes to their premises or surroundings to better serve people.

“Through the scheme a network of advocates is being built up in the community, with accreditation to recognise this. I’m looking forward to companies and employers across Bury joining up to the scheme and helping to ensure that Bury is an enjoyable and stress-free place to live, work and shop for people with a hidden disability.”