Mental health charity opens shop selling bikes revamped by prisoners in rehab

A Jewish mental health charity has opened a bike shop in Borehamwood selling “recycled cycles” refurbished by prisoners undergoing rehabilitation.

Jami, which supports the mental health needs of the Jewish community, opened the ‘Head Room Bikes’ social enterprise earlier this month, with profits being ploughed back into the charity’s work.

While some bikes are donated from Jewish community members, others are sourced from HM Prison Service, with prisoners reconditioning the cycles in an effort to learn skills and find later employment.

The bike shop, which held a soft launch in May, is the specialist charity’s latest social enterprise addition, and sits alongside its Head Room Café in Golders Green

Jami’s new head of social enterprise Warren Traeger said: “We are so excited to bring this new initiative to the local community. Cycling is one of the UK’s most popular pastimes and as well as the positive physical effects, provides incredible mental wellbeing benefits too.”

Explaining that there were both child and adult bikes, he added: “Whether you are a first time rider, big or small, or just looking for a bike for commuting, we will have a constantly changing range of bikes with new arrivals every week.”

Adjoining the bike shop, Jami has also opened its warehouse doors to the public, selling donated clothing and home items, including designer labels.