As part of every grant we award, we ask charities to provide an impact report around 6-12 months after funding. Many projects run over several months and involve multiple activities, so it can take a little time to fully understand the difference our funding has made.
Our second Banner Foundation project took us to Bradford, where we awarded £2,500 to UpCycle, an incredible organisation using bikes as a vehicle for confidence, learning, independence, and community connection.
Thanks to our funding, 35 disadvantaged and marginalised young people took part in a series of bike maintenance sessions and guided cycle rides, gaining practical skills, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging.
The project was delivered from UpCycle’s workshop in one of the UK’s most deprived communities, creating opportunities for young people who may otherwise never have had access to cycling education or hands-on technical skills.
The impact we helped create
What started with bikes quickly became so much more. Through the project, young people were able to:
-Learn valuable practical and transferable skills
-Build confidence and self-belief
-Make new friendships and community connections
-Develop independence and overcome transport barriers
-Discover new interests and opportunities for the future
Many participants arrived feeling nervous, unsure, or lacking confidence. By the end, they had developed new skills, repaired their own bikes, and gained the confidence to help others.
The project also had a positive environmental impact, with donated bikes being repaired and reused rather than ending up in landfill. Perhaps most importantly, UpCycle created a safe and welcoming space where young people felt listened to, respected, and valued.
Words that say it better than we ever could…
“I was intimidated at first but everyone was so nice and welcoming… I felt very safe.”
“It helped me figure out what went wrong with my bike, now I can solve it for myself.”
“Learned a new skill and gave me a way to travel around for free.”
“I felt like I was listened to and felt understood.”
“Helped me to find a new interest. I liked being here, it felt safe and happy.”
“I learned a lot and made my bike 100000000 times better.”
A Word from UpCycle
“For a lot of the young people, it’s the first time they’ve been spoken to nicely. They feel like they’re part of something worthwhile.”
Jamie, Operations Manager, UpCycle
“Learning that everything is fixable, that nothing is fully broken, is genuinely rewarding.”
Kayleigh, Community Projects Coordinator, UpCycle
Looking back proudly
This project demonstrated how something as simple as a bike can unlock confidence, independence, skills, friendships, and opportunities.
From learning how to fix a puncture to finding a new passion, the impact reached far beyond the workshop walls.
We’re incredibly proud that the Banner Foundation helped make this happen and even prouder of the young people who embraced the opportunity and discovered just how much they are capable of.
Find out more at
bannerfoundation.org.uk