The Wheels Project provides training and counselling in employment, road safety and crime reduction to young people aged 14-18 living in deprived areas of Bristol and the surrounding area.
It works with young people experiencing multiple disadvantages, low levels of attainment and exhibiting poor attendance and behavioural challenges at school.
Programmes are designed around motor vehicle repair, maintenance and driver safety, and are delivered from Wheels’ motor vehicle workshop. Wheels runs highly supervised practical courses in small groups of 6-8 students on a variety of vehicles, including go-karts, mopeds, cars and light commercial vehicles. The courses are initially designed to improve engagement, behaviour and attendance and subsequently to support developments in social and employment skills.
Operating across the West of England, Wheels works in collaboration with colleges, schools, academies, pupil referral units, criminal justice agencies, youth services, local authorities and charities to achieve its aims.
Wheels is currently using unrestricted funding from the Stone Family Foundation to support core costs, including operating and fundraising costs.