So what it’s like really be a Trustee at The Bike Project? We caught up with our chair Adam Ognall and asked him a few questions about his involvement with our organisation. Above you can see Adam running a socially distant donation point for us during lockdown this year.
When did you hear about The Bike Project, and when did you join?
I first heard about The Bike Project when Jem, its founder, was getting the idea off the ground. I was honoured to become formally involved a few years later.
What is it like being a Trustee with The Bike Project?
In one word: inspiring. It is incredibly special to be able to contribute and support the amazing work of the Bike Project’s staff team and volunteers as they work to improve how refugees and asylum seekers live in the UK.
Why do you feel the work The Bike Project do is important?
Refugees in the UK face numerous barriers as they seek to re-build their lives. The Bike Project’s belief that no-one should have to choose between eating a square meal and catching the bus is as simple as it is true. We also now know from the experience of those we have donated bikes to that the benefits of the bike to each person, goes far beyond being a mode of transport and a money saver – it brings health and social benefits too.
We’re now looking to expand our Board, to specifically support refugees. So we’re looking for a Trustee with Lived Experience. Why is this especially important for The Bike Project?
The Bike Project needs to enable the people we work with to help set our agenda and be involved in our decisions. Having a trustee with lived experience is part of how we do this, of how we support and empower the community we serve.
We loved catching up with Adam. In fact our Trustees are very involved in the organisation, from hosting pop-up points to supporting us with hands-on projects. Their involvement allows our organization to grow and benefit from their expertise. And as we’re such a small unit, we can always use more hands on deck.
If you are or know someone who would be interested in becoming a Trustee (with Lived Experience), read more about our job posting and how to apply here!
