Rochdale offenders become Santa’s little helpers

Toby Werhun with Councillor Dale Mulgrew

This year will be another typical case of out with the old and in with the new as thousands of children un-wrap their shiny new bikes on Christmas on morning.
 
But offenders in Rochdale have a plan to put even more smiles on faces this year as they turn trash into treasure.
 
In a busy workshop in the heart of Rochdale, young offenders from Rochdale borough’s Youth Offending Team are hard at work repairing punctured wheels, fixing broken chains and touching-up chipped paintwork to restore two-wheelers to their former glories. Once the bikes are looking as good as new they’ll be donated to vulnerable children. 
 
After a special appeal Rochdale’s Youth Offending Team has been inundated with donations from charitable residents. Over 30 bikes, including BMXs, mountain bikes, even highly sought after foldable bicycles, have been collected so far and will undergo a makeover in time for delivery to their lucky new owners before Christmas.
 
Dave Evans, Deputy Youth Offending Team Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s really moving to see such an overwhelming response in these austere times. The phone has been off the hook with donations. The youngsters are embracing the recycling philosophy and making dramatic transformations that will make amazing gifts for poor children across the borough.
 
“This is a really worthwhile project for the young people to be involved with. It allows them to give something back to the community as part of their reparation work as well as providing them with a vital opportunity to learn new skills. The more decrepit the bikes are, the bigger the challenge is for the youngsters.”
 
Even unemployed mechanic, Toby Werhun, 22, from Norden was so moved by the project that he’s volunteered his time to mentor the young offenders. He said: “I’ve been working as a local mechanic part-time for the past 6 years and I felt that I could use my skills to carry out some important voluntary work. When I heard about this project I jumped at the chance to offer my assistance in helping more young people like myself turn a hobby into employment. I hope the skills they learn from me will inspire them to think about a career as a mechanic in the future.”
 
Councillor Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member responsible for community safety at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We know that restorative justice projects such as this deliver the best results in changing criminal behaviours. I strongly believe punishments should benefit the community in some way and this is a fantastic opportunity for young offenders to learn the true meaning of festive spirit.”
 
After the Christmas rush, old bikes will still be welcomed as offenders have even more practical uses for their restorations.
 
Dave Evans continued: “This project has the potential to steer many of our borough’s children at risk of offending back onto the right track to becoming good citizens. It will allow youngsters to access training courses and employment by providing them with a cheap and environmental friendly form of transport.”
 
If you want to donate your old bike please contact Rochdale’s Youth Offending Team on 01706 925353 now. The team are happy to collect them to take them off your hands.