WEST Mercia Police, Worcestershire Children First (WCF) and the Police and Crime Commissioner have combined to get eight bicycles for looked after children in the county.
When looked after children in Worcestershire reach the age of 16 WCF provide them with a bicycle to support their independent development.
However due to Covid-19 the service and the national demand for bicycles, WCF discovered there were no bikes left and so reached out to the PCC John Campion and West Mercia Police.
Together they were able to supply eight bicycles that would have otherwise have been auctioned off.
WCF director Tina Russell said: “Many of our 16 to 18 year-olds who don’t live within close proximity to relatives, education, work placement or amenities, rely on these bicycles and we have also found them to be a good way of encouraging physical activity.
“We have a young person who moved into their own independent living flat recently.
“However, this flat is further away from their friends and amenities so they are desperate for their bike.
“I’d been looking at any opportunity I could to try and secure them an interim bike hence my request to the Police and Crime Commissioner and West Mercia Police.
“I want to thank both organisations for their speed in response and generosity on this.
“It will make the world of difference to those young people living on their own for the first time and help enable their independence.”
PCC Campion said: “This is a great example of something coming full cycle. These bikes were seized by the police in the first place because of their links to illegal activity.
“Having taken them off criminals, I think the public would be very supportive of them going back into the community in such a positive way. The impact and difference something so simple can have on a young person’s life, especially those that may have more vulnerabilities is invaluable.”
