Prison Workshop Volunteer

About the role

We’re looking for volunteers to contribute to our Bikes Beyond Bars project, supporting men in our prison-based workshops at HMP Bristol and HMP Fosse Way.

As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside course participants, helping them refurbish a wide range of donated bikes. You’ll help them develop cycle maintenance skills and work towards earning a professional qualification. These new skills will equip them for better job opportunities upon release.

You’ll collaborate with our dedicated Prison Bike Mechanic Tutors, providing hands-on assistance in the workshop and making a meaningful impact on the participants’ journey toward rehabilitation.

This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy working with people from all walks of life and want to use their bike know-how to help make a real difference in their community.

"Life Cycle helped me massively in prison, keeping me occupied and out of the cell… I contacted Life Cycle when I was released because I wanted to give back something to the people that helped me. I felt respected and treated as a valued member of society, not just an ex-con." – Jon (name changed)

About Bikes Beyond Bars

Our innovative bike recycling project is based at HMP Bristol and HMP Fosse Way. Unwanted bicycles are taken to the prisons, where the men learn how to strip down, clean and refit them, giving them a new lease of life.   

The bikes are taken to our community Hubs in Bristol or Derby where they are made ready for sale by Life Cycle’s mechanics and our team of volunteers. Anyone can buy a bike: many go to local people on low incomes, enabling them to access the benefits of cycling.  

How to apply

Please download our volunteer role description to find out more and apply.