A Wolverhampton charity is launching a new scheme to help residents in the city learn skills which could change their lives, while restoring unwanted bicycles.
Hope Community Project has created Heath Town Spokes and Skills – a 6 week programme focusing primarily on bike mechanics and maintenance, which will restore bikes donated through the council’s Too Good to Chuck scheme.
But it will go far beyond that by empowering people to build skills, confidence, friendships and potentially even gain employment. It’ll also strengthen communities, as it brings people together.
It is the latest scheme under the council’s City Homemakers banner and is being funded through the Government’s Household Support Fund.
Lisa Storey, Chief Executive of Hope Community Project said:
‘This is all about helping people build a range of new skills while they’re also learning to repair and build bikes. The practical skills will be invaluable and along with other advice on problem solving, dealing with customers and health and safety in the workplace, it could help residents gets jobs and start new careers.
‘But it also helps on another level by fostering a sense of community, belonging, accomplishment and self reliance. It brings people together and connects them in a practical way.
‘There’s been a fantastic response since Too Good to Chuck launched and many great bikes have already been donated at Shaw Road and Anchor Lane. We can’t wait to get started.’
Participants will also get the chance to use the bikes, giving them access to reliable, economical transportation, which in turn could help them gain employment.
Some of the bikes will also be sold for affordable prices to people in need in the community and proceeds will help fund future schemes.
Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins said he thought it was a great scheme, which would help on many levels.
‘It’s great to see a community scheme like this which not only helps build stronger, close communities in our city, but also helps people build better lives with new skills.
‘This is the latest project under our City Home Makers banner, helping residents improve their homes and communities no matter what their budgets and reduce waste at the same time, by reusing, recycling, reloving.
‘We’re determined to be there for our residents when they need us most and this scheme does exactly that and more. I can’t wait to see how it develops and the success stories.’