My name is Lewis, I am blind and I volunteer with Essex Pedal Power as a bike builder.

Essex Pedal Power (EPP) are an organisation who provide bikes, cycle training, and community bike rides for low income families in Basildon.  As I am registered sight impaired, the organisation’s support in adapting training and supporting my disability has meant that I have built a complete bike to be given to those who need one. It was the team’s open mindedness to disability and the problem solving that comes with that, that has made this avenue accessible to me and others.

I have always loved building things with my hands and my sight loss severely lessened my opportunity to do something like this but EPP have given me the opportunity to engage in something I love to do, as well as it being for a good cause and I have also been able to meet great people.

I can honestly say I have enjoyed every challenge and triumph that has come from this opportunity and hope that others may feel the same if they decide to give it a try. The organisation uses volunteers for multiple activities such as the building of bikes, providing supporting at bike giveaway events and bike maintenance sessions.  There’s many different opportunities for volunteers.

For more information – and transformative stores about community participation – click here.