Western Trust Family Response Service (FRS) Bicycle Project builds Skills, Confidence, and Connections for young people

The Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Family Response Service (FRS) has been turning old bicycles into new opportunities for young people. The “On Your Bike” project combines practical skills with emotional support, creating a unique space for growth and engagement.

Danny Bryce, Youth Work Practitioner, Family Response Service explains: “Based at Whitehill offices, Irish Street, Derry~Londonderry the initiative has worked alongside Life Cycles, Sustrans, the 4 Rs, and Zero Waste North West to teach young participants the art of upcycling bicycles destined for landfill. During the four weeks program, young people learn bicycle mechanics, road safety, and the environmental benefits of recycling and building relationships with our staff.

“The project goes beyond technical skills. It fosters reflection and dialogue on emotional health, home life, and community issues, offering a safe and supportive environment. Participants source bikes from Derry’s recycling centre and donations from Western Trust staff and the PSNI, strip them down, replace worn parts, and reassemble them under expert supervision. Each completed bike is safety-checked and gifted to the young person who restored it.”

"Being able to build a bike of my own has helped me be able to apply for jobs and get to my course at the tech." Young Participant, highlighting the real-world impact of the project.

“So far we have upcycled nearly 50 bicycles with a wide range of young people from Limavady to Belcoo and right across the Western Trust geography! Having your own bicycle is a very big deal for many children and sometimes this may be their only way to achieve this. This is a brilliant project for the young people and a privilege to be involved in for staff.” FRS Youth Work Practitioner speaking about the project."

Danny Bryce added: “Key outcomes for young people who have participated in this project include strengthened engagement and rapport with our staff; hands-on education in bicycle maintenance and road safety; active participation in recycling and environmental awareness; Boosting confidence and self-esteem through their achievements; owning a fully restored bicycle; developing new skills and interests and most importantly having a safe space for collaborative problem solving and reflection.”

The FRS team plans to continue the project as an educational tool for youth engagement and development. For more details or if you have a bicycle that is no longer used and would like to donate, please contact Danny Bryce via email: danny.bryce@westerntrust.hscni.net.