Devon Wheels 2 Work is a Community Interest Company, based near Holsworthy which offers two-wheeled transport to people in communities throughout Devon. The scooter is loaned on a borrowing scheme for a small cost of £40 per week.
We have funded a new 125cc Scooter and livery for Devon Wheels 2 work with over £2,500 of community funding. Customers at our North Devon young people’s services accommodation at Ayres Close in Bideford were some of the first to test out the new scooter at a launch event on Tuesday 6 August.
The initiative aims to enable disadvantaged people, particularly young people, single parents who are rurally isolated and on low incomes to access employment. This helps remove barriers that are stopping them from accessing the same work opportunities as other people.
LiveWest Community Connector, Alison Knight said: “Providing a scooter can be a life changing experience for a young person, allowing them to access work from home but also to be responsible for looking after the bike. This can be a step to owning their own bike or car.”
“There is an exciting proven record of supporting LiveWest customers into employment through providing transport. The Wheels 2 Work scheme helps to remove barriers that stop our customers accessing the same opportunities as other people, in this case, employment due to rural isolation, or looking after children.”
Max Aprille, a manager from Wheels 2 Work said: “It is important that everyone has the same opportunity to access work. Since Devon Wheels 2 Work was formed in 2006, we have helped well over 12, 000 people to successfully travel to education, work or training by giving them freedom, independence, and choice
“If you’re looking for work and haven’t got the money or desire to buy a car, Wheels 2 Work is the perfect solution. We provide scooter loans to enable you to get to places of employment education or training. It’s a liberator because it frees people to find work as and where they want, rather than depending on a bus timetable or how far they can walk.”
The first LiveWest customers on the bike from Ayres Close are gaining support from LiveWest to live independently; this includes help with getting into work and money management. They celebrated with a Bikes and Burgers Community Event in the community, allowing other locals to drop in and see the service. Everyone got a chance to try out the LiveWest Scooter as well as enjoying BBQ, face painting, decorating a bike or scooter and other workshops.
People over 16 can hire a 50cc or a 125 cc. They need to complete CBT (compulsory basic training) and under 26’s require a financial guarantor and their own protective clothing. Wheels 2 Work can also provide affordable high quality clothing. Customers can apply to LiveWest for funding through Residents Opportunity Fund by visiting our grants page.
Those interested in hiring the bike can speak to Max or Annie from Wheels 2 Work by emailing admin@devonwheels2work.co.uk or calling 07970 480 807. The bike can be booked out online by visiting devonwheels2work.co.uk