Social enterprise gears up to help residents get to work and learning

The daily commute is about to get a lot easier for residents of East Sussex thanks to the launch of a new social enterprise scheme.

East Sussex Wheels 2 Work will provide the loan of a moped or electric cycle along with training, insurance and safety equipment to those people in need of help getting to work, education or training.

The vehicles loaned will be checked every 6 weeks to ensure they are safe and reliable and there will be an option to buy the vehicle after a minimum of three months.

The scheme, which is being funded using Local Sustainable Transport Fund money secured from Government by the County Council, will be run by Devon Wheels 2 Work, one of the only not for profit organisations of its kind in the country.

“East Sussex County Council is looking forward to be working with Devon Wheels 2 Work who are market leaders in operating this type of scheme having over 12 years experience,” said Rupert Clubb, Director of Economy, Transport & Environment.

“The scheme will be a real boost to our local economy, making it easier for those out of work to get to a job, or to get to education and training. Not only will the scheme help local people, but local people will be employed to run it.”

Max Jowett of Devon Wheels 2 Work said: “We are very pleased to have won the contract to deliver this brand new Wheels 2 Work programme in East Sussex. We are bringing with us many years of practical experience of working in this field and look forward to working in partnership East Sussex County Council and with other local groups to deliver this programme for local people.”

Devon Wheels 2 Work will be engaging with local colleges, training providers, work programme providers and job centre plus to offer the scheme to potential clients.

Anyone interested in applying or finding out more about the scheme can email admin@eastsussexwheels2work.co.uk or call 0845 0944 308.