A DONATION of £8,000 from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is helping young people access work and training.

The Trust has made the donation to Wheels 2 Work, an affordable moped hire scheme for people living in rural areas of North Yorkshire.

The Wheels 2 Work scheme, managed by Hambleton Community Action, has a fleet of 35 mopeds which are available on loan to local people who are unable to access other public or private transport.

Wheels 2 Work used the money to buy a new van to transport and deliver mopeds to customers.

David Sharrod, YDMT chief executive, said: “Over the last twenty years YDMT has helped others to achieve a fantastic amount in this special corner of the world. In celebrating our 20th anniversary we wanted to recognise this excellent work. I am delighted that we have been able to support the Wheels 2 Work scheme which is opening up training and employment opportunities to many young people, as well as people living with health issues, financial crisis, and ex-offenders, providing a chance at a fresh start. The scheme has already made a huge difference.”

Andy Reddick, Wheels 2 Work Coordinator, added: “Our customers can feel isolated, but the mopeds make it possible to not only access the workplace, but also to have a social life that is not restricted to within walking distance of their home. I’d like to thank Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust for the award – we are genuinely so grateful for this support which will guarantee the scheme for several years. It is fantastic for us and the community.”

People who join the scheme are mainly, but not exclusively, young. In return for a small weekly contribution, customers have access to a moped for six months, during which time they are encouraged to budget and save for their own transport to maintain access to the workplace. One-to-one mentoring and support (for example, with CVs and job applications) is also provided.

For more information about Wheels 2 Work and to apply, visit hambletoncommunityaction.org/our-services/wheels-2-work.