WHERE there’s a wheel there’s a way, and Swindon’s New College Job Club is now appealing for donations of bicycles - and computers - to help them help people back into work.

The club was set up 18 months ago by Ed Kirk-Browne, with the aim of providing bikes and computers - laptops or PCs - to support people of all ages in finding work.

Volunteer Ray Dawson, who’s 66 and retired, says: “The club is open on Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm, in the MTC building on Manchester Road.

"People of all ages are welcome: they don’t have to be referred and they don’t have to be at the college – we offer computer facilities and help with applications, cover letters and CVs.”

Ray’s own experience of looking for work prompted him to get involved.

He said: “I know what it’s like to be out of work with no transport – many years ago I walked 23 miles to attend a job interview, and when I got there I found it had been cancelled so I had to walk back again.”

The appeal is for anyone who is upgrading a bike to consider giving their old one to the Job Club.

“We can collect and do basic repairs, then if the bike helps somebody to get work we’re happy to take it back for someone else, so one donation can help several people," he said.

“Anyone doing shift work can find problems getting public transport, so having a bike can make all the difference.”

The computer side of the scheme was inspired by a Job Club client who borrowed a laptop to learn new skills and apply for work.

Ray said: “He came on in leaps and bounds, and found work, and that inspired Ed and I to make this an official scheme.

"Many older people don’t have computers, and while they can learn skills on courses, if they don’t have a computer at home to practice on they can quickly forget what they’ve learnt.

"People who have borrowed equipment and found work have brought the computers back for someone else, so the scheme really does work.”

Currently the Club is asking for people to donate bikes and computers, and trying to raise awareness of the help it offers to anyone who wants it.

If you have a bike or computer that you’d like to donate, please email ed.kirk-browne@newcollege.ac.uk or ring Ed on 07854 450 0.09