The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) has given a grant of £5,000 to Yipworld, a charitable enterprise for young people in Cumnock, for The Bike Hoose initiative which will encourage cycling in the area.
Yipworld provides a range of youth and community initiatives to support young people and their families in the area. It aims to increase the ambition, confidence and fulfilment of young people, encouraging their involvement in volunteering, education, training and ultimately employment.
As part of its overall health initiative the group has created a project – The Bike Hoose – to encourage cycling through safe road use, and essential bike repair and maintenance.
Although initially aimed at children, access will be open to all and numerous local organisations will all be encouraged to participate.
The project has been designed partially in response to construction of a new school in the area and to meet demand for affordable ways for people to try or rediscover cycling.
The project will provide workshops on safe cycling and road use, as well as highlighting the health benefits of regular exercise. Unwanted bikes will be collected and refurbished to add to a hire pool for low cost rentals.
Janice Hendry, chief executive and founder of YipWorld, said: “We would like to thank the Coalfields Regeneration Trust for the grant of £5,000 for The Bike Hoose. The project has the potential to improve health through regular exercise, offers social contact, reduces landfill by reusing bikes and provides employment and training as users are taught basic repairs.”
Nicky Wilson, chair of CRT trustees in Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to provide a grant to Yipworld for such a worthwhile project as The Bike Hoose. This initiative can help improve the health and skills of people in Cumnock, and build skills that should build on their employability prospects.”
Image shows: Nicky Wilson, chair of CRT Scotland trustees, and Janice Hendry, chair of YipWorld (centre), with project workers Robert Clark (L) and Gregor Henderson (R).