Fresh Changes for the year ahead! As the seasons shift, we’re excited to share a year of positive change ahead!
Building on our Future Direction, we’re enhancing infrastructure, strengthening links with local and cycling communities, and expanding social prescribing to support those most in need, alongside continually reviewing our Fitness offer.
Amid uncertainty around Local Government Reorganisation, financial sustainability remains the charity’s priority to keep our doors open and continue delivering a community hub that drives positive change.
With core funding reduced to £77,500 against £1.4 million in annual costs, we must diversify income whilst maintaining our principles of being Supportive, Affordable and Welcoming.
Infrastructure
Visits have risen by over 20% in two years which is fantastic however, has increased pressure on our entrance layout.
To improve flow, we’re relocating Studio 2, returning the café to its original space and moving reception back to the alcove.
Unfortunately, some people still access without paying so we’ll also install access control barriers to support correct payments being made.
Outside, storage will be consolidated into two hubs—adaptive bikes by Circuit E, and coaching and hire fleets by the Garage Gym—improving layout, service delivery and security following ongoing burglaries, including one earlier this week.
Communities & Social Prescribing activity
Income from the charity lottery will directly support our free and subsidised programmes including Chair Fit & Chat, Movement Not Meds and Cyclo4All.
Adult cycling engagement will grow through free local community focused wellbeing rides on Mondays and Ride Laps for cycling enthusiasts and clubs on Wednesdays, offering a safe, social training space on the traffic free road circuit, supported by an exciting year-round race programme.
As well as our adaptive bike hub, we’re also expanding Cyclo4All through adapted trails and holding more sessions. This sits within our wider Movement Not Meds programme, delivering low-cost off-peak activities for targeted groups alongside our popular Park Fitness offer, which we continue to support through updating of equipment and new flooring last year plus a continual focus on providing the comprehensive class schedule we are known for.
Celebrating Success Stories
Through our Discover What’s Possible campaign, we’re showcasing the impact of our work:
Jade’s story: single mum signed off work who joined our Movement Not Meds programme
Elsa’s story: the first Team GB rider to be to be selected for the Olympic Development Squad in both race and freestyle BMX who started riding at Cyclopark in 2012 aged 3
Andrew’s story: older adult with three life threatening aneurisms who joined our Chair Fit & Chat programme
Bill’s story: individual living with Motor Dyspraxia who joined our Cyclo4All programme,
Upcoming: review video for Kent Public Health of Movement Not Meds 4 All programme for adults with learning disabilities,
Upcoming: another cycling based success story of riders who train with us and compete on the international stage,
Upcoming: a more generic story of a local family who use multiple aspects of the offer to illustrate the ‘community hub’ vision.
Investment
Following £100,000 invested last year in plumbing and lighting, a further £200,000+ will fund the outlined changes through loans, grants and reserves…
We will also look to simplify and standardise pricing to ensure fair access for all.
Any support of the charity is greatly received. Either:
*as a local business, benefit from our ever growing in person and online presence.
With a huge amount of work happening in the background from the Team to get to this point, we’re excited to see these changes come to light over the coming months and hope you will be too!
If anyone would like to discuss, debate or even donate, please don’t hesitate to contact us through reception@cyclopark.com
All the best,
Jonny Hamp
CEO, The Cyclopark Charity