Reddish Men in Sheds is a local community group committed to giving unwanted bikes a new lease on life. They collect unwanted bikes, service and repair them, and then sell them at low prices through local charity shops or donate them to schools. This approach ensures that as many people as possible can afford a bike. 

Recently, they received a grant of £2,045.51 from the Skylight Community Fund. This funding helped them maintain their workshop, purchase two new workbenches, and install ten wall docks. As a non-profit organization, they can't rely solely on bike sales to cover their expenses, particularly rent. In the longer term, the fund will support the group to expand its resources, attract more members, and support the group’s sustainability.  

“Our workspace looks very professional now as the members can work on the bicycles without being cramped into a corner competing for floor space with the donated bikes. The members have a great sense of pride in their work anyway, but being able to utilise professional equipment elevates that sense further.” 

Reddish Men in Sheds members are mainly older males, this is because there will be over 1.5 million men aged over 50 in the UK (United Kingdom) by 2030. Often at risk of isolation and depression, after a lifetime of active working, older men may find themselves with poor health, no partners, bereaved or divorced, have no families nearby, struggle to get out, have restricted social activities etc. All these factors make for loneliness and limited life choices.  

The project outcomes include rescuing bikes from landfills, offering people a fulfilling hobby—whether riding or repairing bikes—promoting exercise, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transportation, and offering a cost-effective travel alternative. 

You can find out more about Reddish Men in Sheds via their website.