Young people have received a free workshop teaching them how to repair bikes to help boost their skill set and create a safe space for them.
The workshop, in Solihull, comes after consultations took place with young people, where they expressed wanting to learn how to fix their own bikes in a safe environment.
An expert joined them for the day, to not only talk through the technical process but also act as a trusted adult they can speak to about the challenges of being a young person in Solihull.
They had access to food, drink and a safe social space.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said: “We must continue to invest in our young people and provide them with opportunities to learn a wide range of skills to prepare them for the future.
“A simple workshop like this can ignite a passion, leading to a future career for some of our young people.
“When you’re young, your bike can often represent independence and freedom, learning how to repair it yourself ensures that independence grows.
“Young people can continue to engage with a healthy activity, all whilst having learned a new skill.”
Bernie Donnelly, Councillor for Kingshurst and Fordbridge said: “We asked the young people in the area what they would be interested in doing and a lot of them said bicycle repairs because sometimes they can’t ride their bikes, just because the chain’s broken.
“So, we’ve created a safe space, they can come in, learn life skills and it could open up an opportunity work wise.”
One of the young participants, aged 10, even expressed wanting to become a mechanic: “It was really fun and when I’m older, I’ll probably be a mechanic and work on bikes and cars to help others and make their life better”
Conversations are currently taking place about further funding for these workshops.
