Two community members from Emmaus Leeds have completed a bicycle maintenance training course to boost their skills and CV.

Josh and Kyle – who have experienced homelessness but now live and work at Emmaus Leeds – completed the course delivered by Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative in Chapel Allerton. The one day course covered different aspects of bike maintenance such as fixing punctures, servicing bicycle forks and replacing wheel bearings.

Trainee Josh has been working with bikes since he was a child. He enjoyed the course as it has enabled him to work in the bike shop at Emmaus Leeds and continue to do something he’s passionate about.

Josh, companion at Emmaus Leeds, said: “The course went well – it boosted my confidence and I developed more knowledge. If you enjoy your work, it’ll make you a better person, for yourself and the people around you.”

Emmaus Leeds supports 26 companions (formerly homeless people) by providing them with a stable home and meaningful work for as long as they need it. The charity has its main community building and social enterprise on St Mary’s Street, a stall at Kirkgate Market and a charity shop in Halton.

Joanne Stafford, Projects and Events Leader at Emmaus Leeds, said: “We’re very pleased that Josh and Kyle have completed the bike maintenance course. Not only have they gained valuable skills that can be used in future, the course has also enabled them to apply their knowledge now, in the Emmaus Leeds social enterprise, bringing old bikes back into use.”

At Emmaus Leeds, companions in the bike shop repair donated bikes so they are able to be sold within the charity shops. Bikes that aren’t repairable are sent to a local project where they are reused or recycled. If you have a bike or tools that you no longer use, Emmaus Leeds would be grateful for any donations.

To find out more about the work of Emmaus Leeds head to www.emmaus.org.uk/leeds. For more information, to donate an item or get involved as a volunteer call 0113 248 4288 or visit Emmaus Leeds at St Mary’s Street, Leeds, LS9 7DP.