A social enterprise’s workshop that refurbishes and recycles donated bikes in Ipswich is now in use, expanding the number of people that can be supported by its services.
There are now more spaces available for adults with disabilities to join The Green Bike Project in Ipswich to develop their skills in bike mechanics.
There is also the opportunity for students that seek alternative provisions outside of school to learn new skills in the bike workshop.
The Green Bike Project - run by Genesis Orwell Mencap - first opened in Holywells Park in 2008, moved to their current site on Wright Road near Ipswich Transport Museum in 2020, and, secured grant-funding from numerous sources to build the workshop in 2023. The project was fully supported by the landlord Ipswich Borough Council, including extending the lease enabling the social enterprise to identify grant funding.
January 2024 sees the new workshop now in use, with lots of bikes ready to be checked, refurbished, and reused.
Visiting the workshop, Councillor Lynne Mortimer, Mayor of Ipswich, said: “It is wonderful to see the finished space in use by the adults who clearly enjoy spending time here repairing the bikes.
“The Green Bike Project is a social enterprise doing great work for our Ipswich community. Thanks to this splendid workshop – a space to learn new skills - the team will be able to do even more to help those in need of support.”
Unwanted bicycles are donated and repaired at the workshop by adults with learning difficulties as a social care project helping to promote independence and equality whilst learning new skills that benefit the community and the planet too as a green enterprise initiative.
Rob Hart Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Orwell Mencap added: “The construction of the brand-new workshop will transform the support The Green Bike Project can offer to adults with disabilities in our local community. The demand for the services we provide can now be met with the expansion of our social enterprise. Huge thanks to the all the organisations that supported and invested in making the Green Bike Project Workshop a reality.’’
To donate a bike you no longer need that can be refurbished (or arrange for collection) or enquire about a placement or visit their website.
The Opening Hours are 9am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday and Saturday 12pm – 3pm for anyone wishing to visit and buy a second-hand bike that has been refurbished.
