Over 70 looked after children gifted bikes by council’s Children’s Services

Date Added: 10/02/2021

Anonymous donation helps Children’s Services team gift bicycles and non-motorised scooters
Thanks to an anonymous donation to the Children’s Services team at Central Bedfordshire Council, specifically for looked after children, the team have been able to gift bicycles and non-motorised scooters to over 70 children and young people.

Bicycle lane stock photo
A generous donation of £25,000 has allowed social workers, together with families and foster carers, to apply for £250 per child to help pay for a bike or scooter, along with safety equipment. The scheme started in October last year, and so far 72 children across Central Bedfordshire have been able to make the most of it.

Each application is considered by the Children’s Services Resources Panel. Once a grant has been agreed, where COVID-19 restrictions allow, social workers go with the child and their foster carer or family so they can choose their bike or scooter.

Child's bike stock photo
One social worker who successfully applied for a grant on behalf of a child said: “We went to Halfords and he chose his bike, helmet and bike lock. He was so happy and he said that he wants to ride his bike to school! This has meant so much to him and has really boosted him, and I am hoping that this will support him with getting into school and give him a sense of pride for his bike.”