"Bikes left behind at Thameslink and Great Northern stations are stored for three months, but if not claimed by the owner, they are delivered to TAG Bikes in Huntingdon, where adults with learning difficulties repair and refurbish them before selling them back to the local community at affordable prices."
"The proceeds from those sales are reinvested directly into the workshop, supporting training, equipment and work-based learning opportunities for the adults involved. The scheme forms part of Cambridgeshire County Council's Supporting into Work programme, which aims to help people with learning disabilities gain practical skills, confidence and independence through real workplace environments."
"At the Huntingdon workshop, participants learn how to service and repair bikes under the supervision of employment skills coordinator and qualified mechanic Rob Bierton. As well as mechanical skills, the programme helps participants develop teamwork, communication and confidence in a structured working environment."
Bicycles abandoned at Thameslink and Great Northern railway stations are collected after three months and delivered to TAG Bikes in Huntingdon. Adults with learning disabilities repair and refurbish these bikes before selling them to the community at affordable prices. Revenue from sales directly supports the workshop, funding training, equipment, and work-based learning. Participants develop mechanical skills, teamwork, communication, and confidence under qualified supervision. The partnership, established in 2018, has processed over 1,000 bikes and helped some participants secure paid employment, including one who now works as a bike mechanic at Halfords.
#learning-disabilities-employment #bicycle-refurbishment #skills-training #social-enterprise #workplace-development
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