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General News

5 August, 2020

Homeless men rebuilding their life

A new program where homeless men rebuild old pushbikes has been launched in the hope that it will increase the men’ confidence and life skills.

By Phil Brandel

Homeless men rebuilding their life - feature photo

A new program where homeless men rebuild old pushbikes has been launched in the hope that it will increase the men’ confidence and life skills.

Mareeba Community Housing Company (MCHC) has formed the Men’s wellbeing program for homeless men. The program brings the men together on a regular basis to rebuild and refurbish old pushbikes.

It’s hoped that by rebuilding the bikes the men will learn and share new skills like team building, communication, punctuality and pride in a job well done.

Robert Larkin, Housing Supervisor at MCHC said that the programs aim is to assist by building rapport and connections with other men.

“We had some old pushbikes that were donated, and we were looking at a way to get the men to come in and use their hands to learn new skills,” Mr Larkin said

“Once they have been refurbished, we aim to donate them to underprivileged children who may not have a bike.

“This way we can get them to come to the centre, building strong and mutually respectful relationships with them as it gives them a purposeful reason to visit and stay for a little while and hopefully, they will learn new skills they can pass on.”

Some of the men couch surf at friends or relatives’ while other men are staying in the properties managed by MCHC.

Mr Larkin said the program gives the men an opportunity to meet and relate to other men who are in similar situations, helping them to build confidence and self-esteem.

“It also helps them get a sense of satisfaction by making something for someone else,“ he said

“The bikes are almost secondary it’s more about getting them together and providing them with an opportunity to open up with others who may have shared a similar experience.

“They also get some soft employment skills, like using tools, communication, cleaning, and painting.

Darren who is one of the men participating in the program said that he misses mingling with people “I get to meet people and be social, I miss meeting people and being part of a community”

“I’m leaning to mingle; I’m also learning to fix bikes, be punctual and form some goals.”

National Homelessness week is August 2 – 8

 

 

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