BARNSLEY REFUGEE COUNCIL - RECYCLED BIKE SCHEME

Did you know that there is a bike scheme run by volunteer Alex Simon to refurbish and distribute second-hand bikes to asylum seekers and refugees all over Barnsley?

The scheme is supported by the Penistone Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Group and works in collaboration with the Refugee Council to identify people who need bikes. So far over 80 bikes have been recycled and feedback shows what a huge difference they are making.

Young Ukrainian refugee “I would like to thank Refugee Council and Penistone Group for providing me the bicycle which save my time and granted me the ability to spend more time outdoor by cycling to the park and make transportation easier to explore Barnsley and its countryside. The bicycle keeps me fit”.

Sudanese Asylum Seeker  “I live far from the centre. I use the bicycle for commuting and shopping. I love exercising by cycling around Barnsley. I found more time to visit my friends in Barnsley using the bicycle. Now I am doing more outdoor activity and feeling more healthier now”

Sudanese Asylum Seeker “The bike saved my time and travel expenses and made life easier for myself as a asylum seeker with very limited financial support . My children are happy with the small bike. They are happy and enjoy cycling at the park. Thank you for giving me the bicycles”.

An Iranian family, who were early recipients of bikes for their son and daughter, use the bikes to travel to their respective colleges. The daughter has been doing A levels and is an outstanding student. She plans to go to university to study medicine and become a surgeon. The son was studying to become a pilot so is pursuing this ambition in the UK now.

The Eritrean community have received a lot of bikes. For example:

• A single mum with one child go to school on the bikes, cutting the cost of travel to zero, which is great saving when they are on a limited budget.
• A husband and wife who use them to go out on their days off for social and recreational purposes. This helps with their mental health in particular.
• H who enjoys the outdoors to help deal with PMT following his horrendous journey to the UK to seek asylum.

The freedom and independence the bikes have offered them has been really appreciated.

Do you have a bike that you or your child no longer use? why not donate to a good cause.

Contact us for more information.