Donation keeps On Your Bike rolling

A Taunton-based cycling charity that refurbishes unwanted bikes to support those facing social exclusion has received a £1,000 boost from developer Persimmon Homes South West.

On Your Bike, which was originally formed in Wellington in 2010, trains and supports people facing a wide range of challenges, from mental health issues and physical disabilities to long-term unemployment, homelessness, and resettlement from military or prison life. The charity offers wraparound support while teaching practical skills in bike repair and maintenance.

The donation came through Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme, which sees £700,000 distributed annually to good causes across the UK. The funding will help On Your Bike continue its mission of giving people purpose, skills, and a pathway back into community life through working in fully equipped bike workshops.

Mike Southway, Vice-Chair of Trustees at On Your Bike, said:

“We were delighted to hear that Persimmon were impressed by our work and thrilled that they wanted to donate to us.

On Your Bike is proud of the way we give skills, confidence, a sense of self-worth, and a desire to be a proactive part of the community to people who feel like they have none of these. This support will go a long way in helping us continue the work we love.”

The charity operates shops in Taunton and Bridgwater, selling recycled bikes that have been restored by its beneficiaries. Thousands of bikes have been saved from landfill and repurposed for the community.

Persimmon is currently building three and four-bedroom homes at its Hartnells Farm development in Taunton, with prices starting from £289,995. Planning permission was recently secured for the final phase of the site, which will deliver 320 homes in total.

Stacey Harris, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes South West, added:

“On Your Bike is a great charity that does some wonderful, innovative work with some people who can really use a helping hand.

We felt they would be worthy recipients of funding from our Community Champions scheme, especially given our strong presence in Taunton and across Somerset.”