BikeShed’s supporting youth for better wellbeing

There can be no doubt that selectability’s BikeSheds have continuously assisted regional Queenslanders to get more active and overcome loneliness.

An original concept, BikeShed programs across our footprint has built a strong following in each community.

Over the last few years, selectability has received a wealth of support from community organisations to help Queenslanders become active and more connected.

Along with this offering, is a targeted program aimed at those between the ages of 10 -24, known as the youth BikeShed which is currently being operated in Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa and Rockhampton.

This program specifically focuses on intervention and the promotion of positive social behaviour.

Here are some of the great things happening at BikeSheds across our footprint:

Cairns BikeShed barber program reaches the final cut 

Since first opening earlier this year, the Cairns BikeShed has been a welcoming inclusive space for all youth across the region.

This has included opening its doors to host programs like the Fresh Start Academy, developed by Rob Hodge that targets disadvantaged youth.

The program ran over 20 weeks for 8 young men, providing them with practical barber training with the aim of providing employment opportunities.

On top of this, the fully educated barbers would then boost attendance at the BikeShed by providing free haircuts to boys and men in the hopes of also incentivising health checks.

Program developer Rob Hodge says utilising the BikeShed space has been helpful to the delivery program, as it has been helpful to the BikeShed itself.

“There is a crossover in values, the whole idea was to get people through the door and to appreciate this positive and immersive space,” said Rob.

“We wanted young men to come through, get a free haircut from our trainees, but also be active in the BikeShed as well.

“The program itself has been a massive success, out of the 8 young men, 6 now have full time jobs.

“We have 6 stations, use high-end Industry equipment and under the vigilant eye of our Barber Educator will be able to turn out most styles of haircuts/ Beard grooming and fading.  

Values of the Fresh Start Academy and selectability are aligned as both initiatives focus on intervention, providing activities aimed at promoting positive behaviours and preventing youths from engaging in anti-social activities.

It also provides a safe place to connect, learn new skills and get active, or in this case, seek a positive future

Mackay BikeShed receives generous donation

From a new Cairns location to an established community center, Mackay BikeShed continues to break new boundaries with a generous donation toward a new youth program.

The $20,000 donation from Mackay Community Foundation will fund BikeSheds participation in the Annual River 2 Reef ride.

Mackay BikeShed Coordinator Carl Holland says they are incredibly grateful for the donation and hopes the program will make a vital difference to the wellbeing to Mackay youth.

“We are planning on getting ten young participants, they train them together over the course of ten weeks, complete the ride, and at the end of it all they will get to keep the bikes,” said Carl.

“We have received a lot of interest so far, BHP have also been a huge support and have donated 5 brand new bikes for consumers to use in the ride.

The program is designed to promote an active lifestyle for young, disadvantaged youth, improving social connection and reducing loneliness, a key trigger for suicide.

“At the end of the day, the results will speak for themselves, having ten people out there as advocates for mental wellbeing through this program will be the biggest reward for the Mackay community.

“The reality is, if you can ride 30 kilometres confidently you have got education opportunities, for social connection, but you also have your independence as well.

selectability’s connection with community organisations in Mackay has welcomed the funding opportunity.

Across its wide footprint, selectability’s BikeSheds are providing an inclusive space for locals to connect, work on projects, join in group bike rides and improve their mental wellbeing.

This reputation often creates a wealth of community connections that support, and fund programs developed to improve the wellbeing of regional Queenslanders.

In addition to the standard BikeShed program (for those 18 years of age and older) the youth BikeShed Program is available for those 10 - 24 years old in Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa and Rockhampton.