October 2021

Prisoners will recycle hundreds of bikes for hospital staff through our Lifecycle Project

We are thrilled to report that the Lifecycle Project, founded by Bouygues E&S, InfraRed Capital Partners and Vercity, has so far donated 200 bikes to keyworkers. Alongside Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), we take donated bikes, renovate them in prison workshops and locate them with NHS key workers and others in need.

The Lifecycle Project’s aim is to refurbish over 900 bikes for hospital staff and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Lifecycle Project will also enable prisoners to gain new skills and turn their lives around by providing specialist training, helping them gain valuable skills and providing more job opportunities after they are released. Once they have completed their training, they achieve the City & Guilds Level 1 and 2 qualification in bike maintenance.

Members of the public can donate their bikes either directly at Lifecycle Project hubs; Peterborough Hospital, West Middlesex Hospital and John Radcliffe Hospital, or they can get collected by the Lifecycle Project, before they are sent to HMP Hewell and HMP Aylesbury and through the website www.lifecycleproject.org.

The Lifecycle Project’s ambition is to create a circular economy by upskilling and providing employment opportunities for ex-offenders, while creating sustainable transport in local communities and promoting health and wellbeing to key workers: ‘Donate, Renovate and Relocate’. This initiative will have long-term sustainable benefits, helping people move to a healthier, zero carbon mode of transport and reducing waste.

“Equipping prisoners with the skills to help secure a job upon release is vital to enabling them to turn their lives around, providing them with a purpose and allowing them to give something back to society.

“The Lifecycle Project is a terrific scheme, providing skills in demand, and recognising the doctors, nurses and other key workers who have been the heroes of our pandemic response.”

Dominic Raab, Justice Secretary

“This is a great opportunity for all of the prisoners at our repair shop. It helps them gain experience and pick up valuable skills which are very well respected on the job market, and will be a very positive addition to our Pathways to Employment strategy here at Hewell. We are proud to be working in partnership with the Lifecycle Project to deliver this innovative recycling programme.”

Ralph Lubkowski, Governor of HMP Hewell