London: Catholic centre opens bike recycling service

Ace of Clubs bike team

A bike recycling service run by homeless people for residents in Clapham, south west London, has opened. The workshop, part of the Ace of Clubs drop-in centre on St Alphonsus Road, is managed by a small team who collect old bicycles and bike parts locally, to fix and re-use.
 
All the work, from converting a former school outhouse into the workshop, and revamping the bikes, is done by the members. The income earned is then channelled back into the centre to buy essentials such as food and toiletries for members. The project allows vulnerable adults to use their time and skills to help the wider community and benefit themselves.
 
The enterprise is led by Paul, a formerly homeless man who explained that staff encouraged him study for an NVQ in Bicycle Maintenance. The support he received, is now directly profiting the club.
 
The Ace of Clubs also provides food, day time shelter, and social activities such as art, pottery and bingo. The benefits extend to the wider local community as shown by James, an ex-offender who is now a volunteer.
 
James said that without the club, he probably he would probably have gone back into prison. He said it “keeps me out of trouble”.

Another volunteer, Alan, said: “When I needed to find a house, I didn’t know where to start. Ace of Clubs gave me the right direction and it’s been up the ladder every day.”
 
Sarah Miles, centre coordinator explained “Members appreciate the general public taking an interest in the centre because they too are keen to dispel stereotyping of homelessness”.

 For more information visit: www.aceofclubsclapham.org