Albyn Housing Society and New Start Highland have joined forces to launch the New Start Bike Project - the bike building scheme which provides training and personal development for vulnerable individuals in Inverness.

The Highland housing association and local charity held a celebratory event to launch the project yesterday, April 29th, in Inverness city centre.  New Start staff members presented the benefits of the project and even brought along a few completed bikes to highlight the results.

The project, which helps more vulnerable individuals realise their potential, offers six-week training courses in building and maintaining a bike.  At the end of the six weeks, the participant has learned new skills, is more prepared to enter the working world and has a new bike to keep. 

What’s more, with the help of a support worker, training in job searching and personal development is also provided.

The project has been made possible by a £22,500 grant from the Scottish Government’s Wider Role Fund.  This fund exists to address poverty and neighbourhood decline by supporting vulnerable individuals, families and disadvantaged communities.

New Start, who focus on offering a supportive culture, provide various work based courses with a view to preparing individuals for what to expect when starting out in full time employment. 

Calum Macaulay, Chief Executive of Albyn Housing Society, said:  “We are extremely proud of the New Start Bike Project.  Not only are key skills developed but our tenants are encouraged and equipped to positively engage with and contribute to the local community.  People can access experience, training and in turn can adopt a healthier lifestyle.”

Albyn, who supply around 25% of all affordable homes in the Highlands, refer tenants who would make likely candidates for the course to New Start.  The two organisations work closely together to promote the courses, within Albyn Housing Newsletters and at tenant meetings. 

Cairn Housing Association is also involved in the scheme and refers tenants to the charity for the same projects.

Isobel Prall, Enterprise Officer at New Start, said: “The New Start Bike Project is great for individuals who may have been out of work for some time and are looking for new experience and training.   It helps develop confidence, interpersonal skills and resilience.  Currently within the Highlands there is a growing cycling movement with a greater demand for bicycles.  Through the project we can equip people with the skills to maintain bikes as an affordable mode of transport.”

The benefits of the Bike Project are countless.  Participants finish the project with an affordable way to look for work within a wider area than they might usually have access to which results in health and environment benefits.  Any surplus bikes produced from the project are made available to the wider community, so the charity can gain a small income to put back into future courses.