Story
I will always remember the support and kindness showed to me by the staff at Norwich Bicycle Repair Co-operative . The bike they provided me with enabled me to travel back and forth to university to study, as well as to medical appointments. Accessing a bike felt like a symbol of hope and freedom during a time when i was struggling. It helped me regain my confidence and integrate into my new life. Thank you to all those who support this project. Sanctuary Scholar, 2026
Since 2020, UEA University of Sanctuary and Norwich Bicycle Repair Co-operative have been working in partnership to ensure that the sanctuary community (asylum seekers and refugees) can access refurbished bikes and an accompanying repair service for free.
Staff at Norwich Bicycle Repair Co-operative generously give their own time to prepare the much needed refurbished bikes and work on repairs but they need support from the community to cover the costs of the bicycle parts (such as wheels, brake pads, brake and gear cables, saddles, tyres) and accompanying accessories (locks, helmets and bells).
University of Sanctuary community family members with their bike and scooter from the Norwich Bicycle Repair Co-operative.
Why is it important to be able to offer this service to sanctuary seekers? Asylum seekers have access to limited financial support. Whilst awaiting the outcome of their asylum claim they are entitled to just £49.18 or £8.86 (if housed in a hotel) a week and are many are not entitled to work. Those who have gained refugee status also often have limited funds and lack of transport can have a direct impact on their ability to integrate and secure work. A bike can help sanctuary seekers to access education, healthcare and much more.
How can you help us to ensure that local sanctuary seekers can access this free of charge initiative for the months and years ahead?
*Donate much needed funds via this page. All donations, no matter how small make a huge impact and ensures that the project can continue.
A University of Sanctuary community member shares his thoughts on the initiative:
The Norwich Bicycle Repair Co-operative initiative is one of the best initiatives for University of Sanctuary students,. I personally benefited from it at a critical time. I am truly grateful to the University of Sanctuary for making this initiative possible. Through it, I received a bike for myself and one for each of my family members." Sanctuary scholar, 2025
Charlie from Norwich Bicycle Repair Co-operative explains what the project means to him and his colleagues:
We love to help the new students that come though the University of Sanctuary, getting them sorted out with a bicycle as soon as possible gives them the freedom that they have come here looking for. It is a lovely experience being able to help someone settle into their new life, and the level of gratitude we experience from the Sanctuary community makes it so worthwhile. With the help of your donations we will be able to keep providing these bicycles free of charge to the students, and have less of a strain on our business too, as we currently absorb the cost of the repairs and parts."
To find out more about the work of the Norwich Bicycle Repair Co-operative, please visit: https://www.norwichbicyclerepaircoop.com/
To find out more about the work of UEA University of Sanctuary, please visit: https://www.ueasanctuary.org/
