Working from a courtyard at Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS ), we are a small but skilled and enthusiastic team of volunteers refurbishing donated bikes and providing free drop-in repairs for asylum seekers in Gloucestershire.

Our efforts help men, women and children seeking asylum to gain independent, reliable transport; a practical way to reach appointments, classes, school, and friends. The project also extends the life of donated bikes and keeps them out of landfill.

The volunteers who give their time and skills are themselves refugees and asylum seekers, and they know first-hand the difference that having independent transport can make. But we need some help!

We’re raising £2,000 to cover the cost of spare parts and accessories used in our drop-in repairs and full refurbishments. Locks, in particular, are vital: a bike without a lock will very soon be stolen, leaving its rider stranded. A donation of £10 can buy a lock, allowing us to provide one of our refurbished bikes to someone who needs it.

Any contribution will help keep this volunteer-run service equipped and active - providing low cost independence and direct, practical support for asylum seekers in Gloucestershire.

You can support our project by donating funds or by contributing materials from our current wish list below. Material donations can be dropped off directly at GARAS, posted FAO me at GARAS, or, if you’re local, I may be able to collect from you.

Wish list

Many thanks!!