07 Dec 2018

Santa comes early for Corrymeela volunteers – thanks to Hydebank Wood College

Christmas has come early for Corrymeela Community Volunteers thanks to students at Hydebank Wood College in Belfast. 12 bicycles which had been discarded have been repaired and restored by young offenders at the secure college and donated to Corrymeela for use by our volunteers.

Recycling bicycles is one of the many vocational activities that form part of the daily life choices of young people in Hydebank Wood College.
Hydebank Wood College Governor Gary Milling said: “Working with Corrymeela is a very natural partnership for us. Activities such as the restoration of bicycles which have been dumped and discarded are helping to support the young men in our care to change and understand the community to which they will eventually return.”

As well as using the bikes to explore more of the beauty of the North Antrim Coast, the volunteers have also welcomed their new mode of transport for the three–mile return journey to Ballycastle where they are building new relationships, friendships and engaging with the local community.

Long–term volunteers spend up to a year with Corrymeela living in the Ballycastle Residential Centre where they are involved in all the practical aspects of the day to day running of a busy 100 bed residential centre. As well as acquiring mentoring and facilitation skills, the volunteers gain confidence to be more socially active, transitioning into new communities and embracing new career options.

Thank you Hydebank College!