'Wheels to work' boosts jobs drive

South Yorkshire Wheels to Work, has been running for a year and has helped 96 people gain access to employment and education.

Part-funded by Yorkshire Forward, and managed by Sheffield Community Transport, the scheme has 73 scooters available to anyone over the age of 16 with a provisional licence.

The scooters are generally loaned to users for between three and six months, giving the user time arrange alternative travel plans.

Users pays 5 a week for use of the scooter plus fuel. Gloves, helmet and a chain are also provided along with insurance.

Sam Ojari, from Walkley, uses his scooter to get to Norton College in Meadow Head, which is only eight miles away but can take him over an hour on the bus.

Sam, aged 18, works part-time for a catering company that sends him to various locations that are sometimes hard to get to and result in Sam turning down jobs – particularly in the evenings.

But using his scooter he can get to college in just 20 minutes, plus he can get to and from wherever the catering company sends him.

"I used to spend a lot of time waiting for buses and I had to turn down shifts even though I really needed the money. The scooter has given me independence and saved me a lot of time, which I use to study instead," said Sam.

Danny Farcas, from Tinsley, works at Shepcote Lane - a journey which can take over an hour on the bus, so Danny has cycled the six miles to and from work for the last two years.

"My quality of life has really improved since I got the scooter. I used to cycle to work up a steep hill and I was worn out by the time I got to work to begin my 12 hour shift. The scooter makes a big difference when you finish at 5am."

Andy Tordoff, head of rural renaissance at Yorkshire Forward said: "This is an excellent example of how we can help and link rural communities with employment and education.

"It allows users to gain independence and gives them access to new opportunities."

There are still 40 scooters available. Users need to complete a day's compulsory training before the scooter is handed across for use.

Contact Sue Addison or Beki Fielding on 0114 2859924.

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