BikeRescue grant to help at-risk youth

A mentoring program utilising bicycle mechanic workshops to connect with disengaged youth has received funding from the Liberal National Government.
  • $26,000 grant for BikeRescue youth mentoring program
  • Program is the flagship initiative of Dismantle Inc.

A mentoring program utilising bicycle mechanic workshops to connect with disengaged youth has received funding from the Liberal National Government.

Visiting Dismantle Inc. in West Leederville this morning, Community Services Minister Tony Simpson said the $26,000 grant would help the organisation and its partners to measure the social impact and enhance its BikeRescue program.

"BikeRescue sees bike mechanics work with young people over 10 sessions to restore old bicycles for themselves and to donate to local charities," Mr Simpson said.

"This program provides an opportunity for mentors to work alongside youth and use activities to initiate conversations on education, jobs and making positive lifestyle choices.

"With this funding, Dismantle will be able to undertake analysis of BikeRescue and ultimately improve its programs.

"The project is an example of how to engage young people and get them actively involved in our communities."

The program has been conducted across metropolitan Perth and in regional towns from Geraldton and Meekatharra, down to Albany.

In 2014, Dismantle Inc. was awarded a grant of $130,000 through the Social Enterprise Fund to undertake BikeDr - a mobile cycle services business which generated profit for reinvestment in its charity programs.

Fact File

  • Dismantle Inc. was established in 2011 to help at-risk youth become valued members of the community, through initiatives including BikeRescue and BikeDr
  • The BikeRescue Social Impact Measurement Tool is a strategy to enhance the BikeRescue program logic, delivered service and product offering to partner services

Minister's office - 6552 6600