Blackburn with Darwen – re:fresh

Service / Role Overview:

What is re:fresh?

Our re:fresh team of Activators are dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of the people living and working in our borough. We are committed to increasing physical activity in any shape or form, whether it’s through our Get Active community sessions designed for beginners, our Exercise Referral Programme for those living with long term conditions, our focus on Learning Disabilities & Autism sessions that encourage exercise and social interaction, or by our 16 week structured Falls Prevention Programme. We have something for everyone to encourage people to move more.

For more information on re:fresh, visit: Home | re:fresh

The Role – Cycle Centre Support

Our cycle centre is here to encourage cycling as a way to increase physical activity and improve mental health as we focus on getting people cycling but also creating a social environment for our clients to support each other as they progress. This role is to assist with the development of our cycling facility based in Witton Park, either through supporting on our low-level cycling sessions or by assisting with our cycle mechanic to make sure bikes are safe to ride. Depending on your interests, you can chose to assist on sessions or follow your interests of cycle maintenance. The current cycling session we run from Witton are:

• Adult/Children Learn to Ride Sessions: we teach people of all ages how to cycle by using our fleet of balance bikes to demonstrate the correct techniques and turn nervous learners into competent cyclists. These run throughout the year and can be set up based on your availability to support our instructors.
• Cycle Back to Fitness: we have access to the Athletics Track at Witton for this session which creates a safe and secure environment for clients to build confidence and perfect their skills before progression around the park. These sessions are fixed and run on a Tuesday, 10 – 11am and Thursday, 1 – 2pm.
• Pedal Round the Park: A progression from the Athletics Track session, this ride around the mile loop in Witton Park gives clients the opportunity to cycle with some challenges, including how to deal with other park users, how to use gears to tackle uphill sections and highlights the general awareness required to develop cycling skills. This led ride runs every Tuesday, 11 – 11:45am.

Eligibility

To have the physical capability to participate in the session – if you’re unsure of this, please contact The Wellbeing Service on 01254 682037 or email wellbeing@blackburn.gov.uk for more information.

TASKS:

• To support the session leader to deliver the session
• To offer individual support to anyone who needs it
• To assign appropriate bikes to clients upon arrival
• To offer basic bike adjustments to clients
• To support the maintenance of the cycle centre and of the cycles
• Log volunteering hours via an on-line computer system

REQUIRED QUALITIES:

• A competent cyclist
• Enthusiastic & motivated
• Good communication skills
• Reliable & trustworthy
• Friendly & approachable
• A keen interest in cycling and the benefits it can provide

TRAINING:

• A DBS is required for all roles with re:fresh
• Ride Leadership Award Level 1 (potential for further training)
• Basic Bike Maintenance Training (In-house)
• Volunteer Learning Passport access (e-learning)
• Emergency First Aid Course

Age:  16+,

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday Mornings + Afternoons. Thursday Morning, Afternoon and Evening.

LOCATION: 

Witton Park Cycle Centre, Preston Old Road, Blackburn BB2 2TP