Exeter Community Initiatives came into Ron’s life after he’d been released from prison.
Aged 50, Ron had spent much of his life behind bars but had always had a lifelong interest in bikes.
On his release, he was housed in temporary accommodation and was reminded about Exeter Community Initiatives’ Bike Bank project which provides meaningful activity and back to work skills through learning bike mechanics and repair, supporting positive mental health and reducing social isolation.
Ron had heard of Bike Bank previously but had not been sure if it was for him as he thought he knew everything about bikes.
Being really keen to start making positive changes, he decided to sign up to Bike Bank. Ron fully engaged with the course. He used his existing skills and also learned new ones, quickly becoming part of the workshop team.
Ron said: “I thought I knew everything about bicycles, however, I soon realised that I didn’t know everything. I learned loads at Bike Bank which I still use today and will for the rest of my life, which is so helpful as I am a keen cyclist.”
Ron completed the 6-week workshop programme and is still in contact with the Bike Bank mechanics. He is now adjusting to living independently in his own flat, cycles daily and is keeping himself busy while spreading the word about Exeter Community Initiative’s Bike Bank project!