Our amazing team of volunteers support XO Bikes to keep running smoothly and ensure that Onwards and Upwards is able to reach out to more people and help rebuild lives. Volunteering for us really does make a difference to the organisation but vitally, to the individuals involved in our effort to break the cycle of reoffending.

RETAILER: Our shops couldn’t run without the help of our committed volunteers who give their time regularly, interact with customers and build fantastic relationships with the fixer team. We have space for someone to work a regular shift in our Wandsworth and Lewisham shops. The role involves meeting / greeting / chatting / selling and supporting the mechanics.
COMMITMENT: ONE DAY WEEKLY.

We’re also aware that some of you may not be able to commit to a regular day, or time. With that in mind we are adding below some of the more ad hoc opportunities as well as regular positions that would really help us out.

MENTOR: Every eight weeks a group of new trainees come through our doors. Some will have come straight from prison, others may have been looking for the right thing for years. We would like to provide each trainee with a mentor, someone they can have a regular check-in with throughout the course and in the weeks after, to discuss how they’re getting on, and to encourage them to complete the course. They may need support with nerves around course content, or may want to talk about how they’re rebuilding other aspects of their lives. We will provide support and training to mentors, but we are looking for people with heaps of empathy, no unfair judgement, and a dab hand at lending an ear.
COMMITMENT – Initial face-to-face meeting, with expectation of further weekly check-ins throughout six – week course. Potential for additional monthly catch-ups following course.

ADVISOR : We are a bike mechanic course, and a bike mechanic business. But we are also a charity working with people who would benefit hugely from additional help elsewhere. We want to build a programme of opportunities for our trainees and graduates, inspired by their voiced needs. They might request some relaxed classes in reading and IT skills, a space to do some yoga, or a chance to get some life admin done. We are therefore looking for a very special team of volunteers who could offer their time to help build this community and programme of support. So, if you’re great at filling in forms, pretty good at managing your money, or even that person people come to when their computer packs up, we would love to hear from you and see if you could spend some time with us. Materials and space will be provided. COMMITMENT – minimum one session per eight week programme cycle. Expected commitment day – WEDNESDAY