Gaining confidence through bicycle maintenance

Boys learning bicycle maintenance skills from project
officer Steve Morgan.

THE Fix A Bike (FAB) program has recommenced for 2019 at the Salvation Army's Derwent Valley Corps. This weekly program was established last year,  providing a place for young people to learn useful skills.

In 90-minute sessions each Thursday, participants build confidence and learn work-related skills by restoring and maintaining bicycles, which they can later sell.

The program is classed as a learning activity by the Children’s University Tasmania, enabling participating children to receive stamps in their Passports to Learning.

"Fix A Bike is supported by the Rotary Club of Derwent Valley, Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team (D’FAT) and Communities for Children South-East Tasmania, The Salvation Army," consultant youth worker Matt Hill said.

"The Rotary Club of Derwent Valley provided seed funding in 2017 and the Derwent Valley Salvation Army also received a Derwent Valley Council Community Small Grant for this program in 2019," Mr Hill said.

Through a partnership agreement with the Salvation Army, D’FAT supports the FAB program by providing volunteers who are mentored by Mr Hill. Mr Hill also has a role working with the local Salvation Army corps officer, Captain Tim Size, and Communities for Children 6-12 Connect project officer Steve Morgan to support other participants at the program.

For more information or to join the Fix a Bike program, contact Captain Tim Size of the Derwent Valley Salvation Army on 6261 2353.