Mindful Mechanics Wrap Up
At upCYCLE LDN, we believe in the power of cycling as more than just a mode of transportation—it's a tool for transformation. Over the course of September to December 2024, our Mindful Mechanics programme has been making waves in Schools throughout Lambeth by providing young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Why We Exist
Young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds often face significant challenges on their path to independence. For many, these hurdles include risks of school exclusion, limited access to resources, and difficulties in education. The consequences can be life-altering: being permanently excluded from school raises the likelihood of entering youth custody by approximately 33%.
Our mission is clear, we aim to:
Build mobility, independence, and self-confidence.
Empower young people with practical life skills.
Strengthen community ties.
Open doors to education, employment, and long-term opportunities.
We envision a world where cycling represents resilience, self-reliance, and community progress—a symbol of lasting potential.
The Programme at a Glance
The Mindful Mechanics workshops focus on engaging students in interactive, hands-on bike repair sessions. These workshops are designed to:
Enhance problem-solving, listening, and teamwork skills.
Inspire resilience and a positive attitude toward learning.
Our impact is clear:
60 students from five schools, including Dunraven Secondary School, Trinity Academy, and Lilian Baylis Academy, participated in two-hour sessions.
90% of participants identified as coming from ethnic minority backgrounds.
96% reported feeling more confident in bike repair skills after completing the sessions.
Voices of Transformation
The feedback from students and schools has been overwhelmingly positive. A Year 10 student from Dunraven shared:
"You guys provided a lot of information during this workshop…and you were very patient because sometimes we don’t get it on the first try."
Jenny Lee-Kearns, Careers Lead at Trinity Academy, highlighted the programme's impact:
"upCYCLE has been an absolute game changer for our students in terms of their confidence in their practical skills…. Every school should run a programme like this."
Looking Ahead
The success of the Mindful Mechanics programme has created a wave of demand for future workshops and we’re already looking forward to more workshops in the New Year!