Be Safe Be Well Mens Sheds

https://www.change.org/SaveOurSheds

RECycle Project launched at Portstewart Mens Shed

Monday 18^th of September 2023

Members of Portstewart Mens Shed have put their bicycle repair skills to good use, as they launched a new recycling project this week.

The project not for profit project aims to rescue bikes from the waste stream, repair them, and pass them on to local people most in need of them, including asylum seekers living in the local area. 

The project, which has been funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Good Relations department, included the creation of a bicycle repair workshop and tools for the mens shed members to recycle the used bikes, which have been donated to the project.

Everyone receiving a bicycle will be encouraged to get involved in the repair of their bike, therefore upskilling or reskilling the community in basic bicycle repair and maintenance.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Steven Callaghan QPM, and Good Relations Manager, Patricia Harkin visited the Mens Shed and the new bicycle workshop, to meet the members and staff delivering the project. They also meet some of the men who have already benefited from the ReCycled bicycles. Two of the men have returned to the workshop to perform repairs on their own bikes, and to help with the repair of newly arrived bikes.

The provision of bicycles to asylum seekers is an essential them to allow them to travel to local shops, attend English classes and doctors appointments.  It also promotes cycling for its physical, mental and environmental health benefits for people, place and planet.

The ReCycle project has given the Mens Shed members the opportunity to learn a new skills or to hone their exiting bike repair knowledge. The LifeCycles project based in Derry~Londonderry has support this new initiatives by providing advice and training to the members.