A FORMER homeless man has been given a chance at a new career as a cycle mechanic.
Former aerospace engineer Stuart Taylor, 51, found himself unemployed, alone and homeless for six months, following a battle with alcohol addiction.
With the help of local homelessness charity Emmaus Coventry and Warwickshire, Stuart has been able to turn his life around.
Through a unique partnership between Emmaus and Langley House Trust, he has been given access to free cycle mechanic training – allowing him to get back into employment.
Langley House Trust runs the New Life Cycle project in Coventry – often working with former offenders to give them hand-on skills in bicycle repair, upcycling and reselling used bikes.
Each week the 51-year-old spends time training in the Binley-based repair workshop, working towards becoming an accredited cycle mechanic.
The homelessness charity provides a home and meaningful work for 25 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion – including Stuart who received support while learning to live with his addiction and rebuild ties with family.
Speaking about the project, Stuart said: “As a former alcoholic, this is all a part of getting my life back together.
“It’s a chance to learn how to properly repair and upcycle bikes – a really great opportunity for me.
“It was actually my idea: I saw how many old bikes were being donated to our Emmaus shop and noticed that with a bit of effort some of them could be given a new lease of life – that’s when we started the partnership with New Life Cycles.”
He added he has been able to use his engineering skills in a new way.
Mr Taylor will continue to attend weekly training sessions and work towards achieving his cycle mechanic accreditation.
Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire’s enterprise manager Ian Mutch said: “We’re very proud of how far Stuart has come since he joined us.
“His work with the cycle project is another example of his commitment to rebuilding his life.
“Many people who have experienced homelessness need time to gain the confidence to re-enter the world of work.
“Stuart is taking a step towards this goal: learning new skills and also helping Emmaus to work with another charity which also supports vulnerable people to change their lives.
Ian also hopes the project is the start of a longer-term partnership, allowing other people to take advantage of the training opportunity.
Bruce Harrison of Langley House Trust said: “It’s a real pleasure to work with Stuart. He is gaining new skills which are designed to support him into employment or volunteering.
“By giving him a safe environment, that simulates work conditions encouraging confidence and self-esteem we are reducing some of the stress that can create barriers for people.
“Stuart is reliable and this adds value to his CV and employability, giving him a real opportunity to try out a new career direction.”
He added the collaboration is a great example of community partnership and the trust’s team looks forward to new opportunities.
