Inverclyde schoolboy who won award for friendship with binmen has 'come out of his shell'

The mother of a schoolboy with autism who became a social media sensation by striking up a friendship with his local binmen has said he has “come out of his shell”.

Nine-year-old Jaxx Robertson became a TikTok sensation for the weekly treats he gives to his local binmen in Greenock.

With the help of mum Lucy Gallacher, he prepares hot rolls, snacks and other treats for refuse workers every Wednesday.

Jaxx then helps Brian and David empty his bins before sending them off with a high five.

Lucy said that ‘Bin lorry Wednesday’ has helped Jaxx, who has autism and ADHD, come out of his shell and build confidence.

Jaxx and mum Lucy making treats for their local binmen STV News

“It’s quite good because when he started, he would only stand at the window waving at them, and then each week, he would just get closer and closer to them”, she told STV News.

“Now, he’s built up this amazing relationship with. He struggles in social settings, so he struggles to make friends or talk to new people.

“So it’s been so nice just to see him come out of his shell. Now he’s quite confident with them.”

Inverclyde Council invited the family along to the Pottery Street Recycling Centre depot for a tour and presentation of a special kindness award by Provost Drew McKenzie.

During the VIP visit to the depot, Jaxx was allowed to get behind the wheel of the bin lorry that he usually sees on his street each week.

“It makes me feel happy, happy, happy”, he said.

Jaxx and his unique bond with the Greenock binmen has gained millions of views on TikTok and other social media channels.

Jaxx with his local binmen in Greenock STV News

In return, Brian, David and the rest of the crew gifted Jaxx his own personal number plate.

They described the treats are a warm show of community and lifts their spirits during the sometimes “wet and soaking” morning call.

Brian and David are also in the running for special recognition of their own, having been shortlisted for an award at the Inverclyde Council Pride of Inverclyde staff awards, which will take place on October 22.

“He’s a wee guy and he’s bringing attention to other people and other binmen as well, not so much in Inverclyde but throughout the country”, Brian said.

“Everybody deserves a wee bit of kindness. There’s too much sadness, misery, and everybody’s in a rush these days, so there’s not a lot of community anymore, so we get a nice wee bit of community.

“It makes you feel good when you’re all damp and wet and soaking.”