It has been good to be able to start working with a Powys council employee to support some of the Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children [UASC] that are allocated to Powys. In the past few years we’ve been aware that Powys was responsible for some ‘UASC’ but haven’t been able to establish proper contacts to be able to offer support.
In September we were asked about the provision of bikes to some sanctuary seeking teenagers currently staying locally and supported by Llamau. This was rapidly arranged via purchase from Halfords. Then we were approached by a Powys Council Personal adviser who asked if we could help with the provision of laptops and bikes for the larger number of teenagers that she is supporting across south Powys and in Swansea. Our group agreed that this was a priority.
We advised that Recycle Cymru in Swansea could be a way to obtain bikes for Swansea Based teenagers supported by Powys. Halfords had sold out of the cheap but possibly flimsy bikes and so we approached Drovers and Miv to see if it was possible to refurbish 2 bikes that we could give to 2 teenagers also within Powys. We knew that this way higher specification bikes might be available and that they would be properly maintained. Both responded positively. Miv identified a bike within his shed that with work could become suitable. Anna at Drovers sent out a Facebook message for bikes to be donated and within 2 days had 10! . Many thanks to the generous people of Hay.
Anna and Luke identified one that could be rapidly mended and within a week of request ,we were able to pick up a fully functioning bike [ parts bought at cost and labour given for free] and buy the necessary accessories at cost or from donated stock. Miv worked on his bike, including manufacturing some of the parts so that again within the week another bike was ready for collection. The Personal Advisor arranged to transport the bikes So very soon 2 teenagers will have functioning bikes with lights, locks and helmets that will give them freedom to explore and travel to courses etc. Much gratitude to both Drovers and Miv for their continued support.
