Breadcrumbs
Two wheels work for rural people. Catch 22: no job, no transport, no transport no job – 23 July 2002
The Countryside Agency’s Wheels to Work (W2W) schemes are giving young rural people the chance to get to training or work on a motor scooter loaned to them until they can afford to get their own transport.
Launching Two Wheels Work - a practical guide to help rural young people get mobile and get employed - Countryside Agency chairman and rural advocate Ewen Cameron said today: “This is one of the most innovative and sensible initiatives to tackle an issue at the heart of rural social deprivation.
“Wheels to Work schemes can enable young people to improve their employability and skills base. At the same time this improves a person’s self confidence and prompts participation in their community and wider social circles. Access to a Wheels to Work scheme can be a real incentive to help people find jobs, and stay in them.”
Minister for rural affairs Alun Michael said: “The Wheels to Work scheme provides a unique opportunity for local communities to get involved and support their young people. It helps local people identify local solutions, which is a key objective for DEFRA as we seek to deliver on the Rural White Paper. By overcoming transport barriers, they can access education, training and employment opportunities, which makes economic sense.
“The Government is supporting the scheme in a number of ways, for example through the Learning and Skills Council and JobCentre Plus, as they are best placed to see the many benefits for young people in rural communities.”
The Countryside Agency is also addressing rural transport needs through funding rural transport partnerships, and community led projects through our Parish Transport Grant schemes
Two wheels work is a practical guide to setting up different ‘wheels to work’ schemes with case studies and examples of best practice, is available on line at www.countryside.gov.uk or from Countryside Agency publications on 0870 120 6466.
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Notes to editors:
For more information and to arrange interviews call the Countryside Agency press office on 020 7340 2907/9/6 or out of hours on 07900 608204.
The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues affecting the social, economic and environmental well-being of the English countryside.
