Asylum seekers learn new skills through Salvation Army and Big Bike Revival

The Salvation Army is supplying reconditioned bikes and delivering practical training and education through cycle maintenance courses.

The Recycles programme supplies reconditioned bikes to individuals at The Harbour Project, a local organisation that supports individuals across Swindon struggling to access transport due to costs.

Funding from the Big Bike Revival has enabled The Salvation Army to develop, design and deliver three bicycle maintenance courses, run from Booth House Lifehouse, so that individuals who are in receipt of a reconditioned bike are able to maintain and service it.

Helen Araya, who has completed one of the courses, said: “I was really happy having the chance to do the bike maintenance course. It helped me learn to look after my bike.

“I have just been given leave to live in the UK and now I can put on my CV that I have done the course and hopefully it will help me find a job.”

We were delighted to receive funding from the Big Bike Revival to deliver practical training to asylum seekers and migrants, to equip them with skills that will contribute to their independence and ability to access support.”

Emma Hick, Salvation Army Swindon

Emma Hick, Social Enterprise Programme Coordinator at the Salvation Army’s Booth House, said: “We were delighted to receive funding from the Big Bike Revival to deliver practical training to asylum seekers and migrants, to equip them with skills that will contribute to their independence and ability to access support.”

Nan Bains, Project Manager at The Harbour Project, said: “We look for activities to help keep people engaged and motivated while they are waiting on a decision on their asylum claim. Completing the bike maintenance course has given them a sense of achievement.”