Three Salusbury World families received brand new bikes from us last week!
A new bike sums up all that we hope to provide. It represents practical support – a way to get around expensive London for free, helps people get to work, a volunteering opportunity, school, an English class or do the shopping.
But it is so much more. A bike gives someone struggling with their mental health a great way to exercise. It gives a child the joy of learning to ride a bike – and a parent, the joy of teaching them. It gives a family the fun of exploring London together.
We’re very grateful to the London office of the UN Refugee Agency for choosing to give Salusbury World families the bikes they built in their team away day (organised by the lovely people at o3e) The families loved them!
Read about the families who received the bikes here 👇🏽
Alberto, Maria and Pila* fled violence in Honduras, hoping for a better future in the UK. Their asylum journey has been long and difficult. The family were destitute when our advisor first met them. With our help, Diego has now secured refugee status and is working – throughout, Diego has supported his partner Maria, and their daughter Pila who has special educational needs. The family were put forward for the bikes as they have been on such an immensely challenging journey. The bikes will enable Diego to get to work cheaply and the whole family to have fun together.
Mary* was referred to Salusbury World from a Brent family centre. She is a refugee and a single parent of four children — two teenage sons and twin daughters who are coming up to 3. One of the twins has special needs. Mary joined Salusbury World’s women’s project and attends our English classes, where she is a committed and engaged learner. Mary and her children share a small flat with no garden or outside space. Her sons wanted bikes so they can cycle to school and spend more time outdoors, but Mary couldn’t afford them. The bikes will give the boys independence and confidence.
* not their real names