Transport assistance for 16+ year olds
“Wheels 2 Work”
AIMS
Wheels 2 Work aims to provide persons over 16 years of age, living in rural Hambleton and Richmondshire and the Rural Ripon hinterland with transport, in order to facilitate access to employment opportunities, training and job search. The project also aims to engender people's self esteem by broadening their horizons and giving them a feeling of empowerment through mobility. Wheels 2 Work also aims to help bolster the sustainability of rural communities by reducing the pressure on people to move away to get work.
THE SERVICE
The lease contracts state that the prime purpose of the machine is to access employment or training or facilitate job search; however the moped can be used for reasonable social purposes. The clients are responsible for the upkeep and security of the moped including the cost of petrol, oil and tyres as well as use of a stout chain and lock. Abuse of the machine or the terms of the lease contract will result in the machine being taken away.
TRAINING and SAFETY
All participants will undertake a basic motorcycle proficiency course (CBT) funded by the scheme. Only after having passed the CBT will clients be loaned a moped. The scheme will supply as a minimum; a safety helmet, gloves, a wet suit, protective jacket and hi-visibility belt. These have to be worn at all times (with the exception of the wetsuit). A risk assessment has been done in order to ensure all reasonable steps are taken to minimise risk of accidents.
MAINTENANCE
George Dawkins & Son of Bedale, have been contracted to provide the backup service needed including servicing and repairs as well as a breakdown service.
THE MOPEDS
The machines are all 50cc capacity mopeds which are restricted to 31mph and can be ridden by 16 year olds with a provisional licence on L-Plates. Careful consideration has been given to purchasing the right make and model taking into account such factors as, the local topography, safety, ergonomics, durability, best value for money, availability and cost of spare parts etc.
REFERRALS
Clients are referred by agencies such as the employment service, Connexions, training agencies, job clubs, the YMCA etc. Where an agency has found work or a training place for a person, but the individual may have transport problems due to their residential location the agency may contact the Wheels 2 Work co-ordinator. At this point the co-ordinator will interview the person (normally at home) to assess their needs and whether they can be assisted. If potential clients are under 18 years of age, the interview will be conducted in the presence of a parent or guardian. The co-ordinator will generally apply the following criteria;
For support clients should be:
· In the age range 16+;
· In need of training, employment or job search;
· experiencing poor access to public transport;
· having difficulties travelling to training, employment or job seeking by other modes;
· be likely to positively benefit from support
OWNERSHIP and INSURANCE: Richmondshire District Council are providing nominal ownership of the mopeds and are facilitating the insurance cover.
SUSTAINABILITY: The reality in rural area’s, is that some form of personal transport will remain necessary for most people. In this context mopeds may provide an environmentally more acceptable form of flexible transport than cars, with lower fuel consumption and pollution levels. For the scheme itself to be sustainable it will need funding in the future to continue to help people access jobs and training.
WIDER BENEFITS: It is important to see the benefits bestowed on individuals by participation in this project as more than just those of mobility. Mobility opens up employment, which in turn increases self-confidence and improves health, significantly enhancing the life choices of the individual.
MANAGEMENT
The scheme will be run by the Northallerton and District Voluntary Service Association.
For further information contact:
Andrew Johnston, Rural Transport Co-ordinator, Tel: 01609 761682 or
e-mail: aj@ndvsa.co.uk
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