Young prisoners are working alongside The South Buckinghamshire Community Hospice to repair pre-loved bikes to sell at our ReUse shops.
About ten young men at HM Young Offenders’ Institute in Aylesbury work five days a week fixing up old cycles which are then sent to Hospice shops for resale.
The prisoners, who are instructed by a specialist officer, learn various skills and techniques which they hope will help them find jobs when they are released.
Several spoke warmly about the project during a visit to their workshop by Hospice Chief Executive Officer Jo Woolf.
Michael, 19, who has been involved in the scheme for around three months, said: “It keeps me out of the cell. It keeps me active. I have learnt a lot since I have been here, and it feels good to be helping the charity.”
The prisoners repair about 15 bicycles a week. They are then taken to the re-use shops at the Household Waste Recycling Centres at either High Heavens in High Wycombe or Aston Clinton.
Peter Nicholls, our Area Re-use Manager, said: “The refurbished bikes we sell are a great quality product at a cheaper price, with all the money raised going towards improving the Hospice and our services. Cycling is also a great way to exercise with the children over the summer holidays. Come and find a bike just for you and get pedalling!”
