Share the Joy: One Year On
Back in the summer, we marked one year of Share the Joy by visiting six more groups who received funding.
Back in the summer, we marked one year of Share the Joy by visiting six more groups who received funding.
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While the quick way of showing the impact of the fund would be to rattle off some statistics — more than £160,000 awarded to over 58 community projects, for example — we thought it would be better to catch-up with some of the groups who’ve received funding over the past 12 months.
From helping women in prison to get back on a bike, to giving homeless people the skills to find employment as cycle mechanics, Share the Joy has already helped countless Londoners in so many different ways.
For those who want to cycle, but have found access a challenge, perhaps because of a disability, or financial difficulties, Share the Joy groups have been the ones stepping up to bridge that gap.
It’s not just major projects that this funding has been put towards either. For many groups the money has been used to cover core costs, and elsewhere it’s proved to be the spark to bring other long-term cycle plans to life.
And, brilliantly, a large number of grant recipients who’ve been running successful initiatives in their communities for some time have now been able to move things to the next level, be that through increasing the number of people they can reach, or in the cycling services they’re able to provide.
So let’s meet a few more of London’s thriving cycle groups…
(Applications are open for the latest round of Share the Joy funding! Head to the Share the Joy page to apply)
Name: Paul Haig (secretary)
Borough: across London
Could you give us an overview of the history of the Sikh Cycling Club (SCC), and how it all started?
The Sikh Cycling Club was formed in 2012 by a small group of like-minded individuals who shared a love of cycling and a passion for community. What began as informal weekend rides soon grew into a structured club inspired by the Sikh values of seva (selfless service), sangat (community), and chardi kala (positive spirit).
What have been some of your personal highlights from your time being involved?
Simply watching new riders progress, from nervously joining their first level one ride to confidently completing 50-mile challenges. Seeing that growth first-hand is incredibly fulfilling.
But above all, seeing the camaraderie between riders; someone stopping to help with a puncture, or cheering each other home at the end of a long day. That spirit of seva and support is truly special.
What will the Share the Joy funding be put towards?
It will be instrumental in developing our ride leadership programme. Specifically, we’ll use the grant to book a private British Cycling level one course. This will help train a new wave of confident and competent ride leaders, equipped to lead groups safely through urban and rural environments (up to 50 miles).
And the potential impact of the fund?
Even before the course takes place, the fund has already delivered tangible benefits. We can now confidently plan more frequent and diverse rides, especially for underrepresented riders, women and new cyclists.
Beyond that, from a club sustainability point, this investment will create long-term value, enabling us to grow responsibly and inclusively.
What would you say to other organisations that are thinking of applying for funding?
The Share the Joy fund is more than just a grant; it’s a vote of confidence in your community. It gave us the structure and support to move from an idea (leadership training) to action (a booked course and committed volunteers). It’s an enabler — for your members, your mission and the wider cycling community.
Name: Poppy (co-founder)
Borough: Hackney
Can you tell us briefly how Broad Bikez got started?
We started in August 2021. There were three of us at first: me, Eve and Anna. At the time me and Eve were seeing first-hand how female mechanics were treated in the industry, and started doing some research about people’s experience of going into bike shops.
And a lot of people were saying how they didn’t feel like it was a space for them, as female or LGBTQ+. So we started doing our own workshops, marketed to female and LGBTQ+ cyclists.
What have been some of your personal highlights so far?
Moving into our own space is the highlight. It’s right in the middle of three large estates, so we get a lot of residents, particularly young ones, bringing their bikes in or using the workshop.
What are you putting the Share the Joy funding towards?
We’re doing about four workshops a month, which the fund goes directly towards, either by paying staff or providing the equipment needed.
With everything going on right now politically with the trans community, we’re also using the funding to make classes free for trans individuals.
Plus, we’ve also used a bit to market ourselves more, to get more people through the door.
And the impact of the grant?
It’s been massive. We’ve gone from a small group with just us three volunteers to a point where, thanks to Share the Joy, we can now take a very small salary and pay our mechanics for their time.
And your advice to other organisations thinking of applying?
Do it! It’s 100% worth it, and it’s so straightforward
Name: Yunis Nazir
Borough: Tower Hamlets
What’s the story behind TeamMC, and how did it all get started?
We started about eight years ago, as a small club in east London organising rides and events for the local Muslim community to help people begin cycling, all off the back of our founder becoming the first person to cycle from London to Mecca for Hajj.
It’s been slow growth since then, though recently we’re starting to see more of the community getting involved (though predominantly still men). However, we’re trying to break those barriers to get more women joining us on rides.
What have your personal highlights been so far with the group?
Just being able to empower people in our community to have that confidence to head out and cycle on their own. So many come to us not knowing anything about their bike, but after just a few classes and group rides they’re heading out and have the knowhow to stay safe.
What’s the main thing you’ll be using the Share the Joy funding for?
We really want to grow the number of Muslim women cycling. Share the Joy has allowed us to start putting funding towards female-only rides, by paying for women already riding with us, to take courses to become ride leaders.
Understandably, many women feel more comfortable riding with a group of other women from a similar background, and Share the Joy is hopefully going to make that happen.
Are you able to see the impact of the funding yet?
For what we’re doing right now, it’s had a real impact: from paying for more local women to do ride leader courses, to covering costs in the workshop so we can get more people back on a bike, it’s been great to have.
It’s even gone into our events and group rides, so more young people from the south-Asian community see people like them on a bike and start to think about giving it a go themselves.
What would you say to other organisations that are thinking of applying?
Definitely apply. If it’s going to get more people on a bike, and seeing just how great for them it can be, then do it. Because if you get it, the impact can really do a lot for your community.
Name: Will Orr Ewing (sport coordinator)
Borough: across London
Can you explain the background of Single Homeless Project and how things branched out into cycling?
SHP started in 1975 when six homeless Londoners challenged the system to make their version of a safe place to live. They wanted to see an end to rough sleeping and a city where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Our cycling project started in 2023, running bike maintenance workshops and cycle rides for adults living with severe mental health conditions. From there we’ve branched out to young people’s (YPs) services in Greenwich and Lewisham, where we’ve fixed up bikes that were abandoned in the garden.
Are you able to pick some personal highlights from your time being involved with SHP?
There are so many to choose from, but the two trips to Herne Hill velodrome with our young people were so much fun. Every time a client finishes building a bike is a great feeling too. Not only the accomplishment of having completed something that seemed so far out of reach, but when someone has so little it means so much giving them a bike.
What’s the main plan for the Share the Joy grant?
It’s already helped us with everything. In our bike mechanic workshops, we pay for freelance mechanics and every single bike part (and there’s lots needed when bikes have been sitting outside for years).
Plus, as mentioned earlier, the fund has also gone towards our cycling trips to Herne Hill. Both were massive successes and we’re hoping to do more in the future.
Can you tell us what the impact of the funding has been?
Well it just can’t be underestimated.
Our clients feel part of something, building rapport with staff and their peers. Our cycling sessions have seen clients engage with a project where they haven’t ever engaged previously. This is a huge outcome, as some clients are really isolated.
Our cycling workshops have helped to bring people together, reducing these periods of isolation and increasing social connection.
What would you say to other organisations thinking of applying?
Go for it! If you’ve got a project that can make a real difference, the funding can be a game-changer. For us, it helped bring our ideas to life, ideas that might not have happened otherwise. It gave us the support and confidence to try something new.
Name: Roo Haley (accessibility and inclusion officer)
Borough: across London
What’s the story behind Queers on Wheels, and when did you start?
Queers on Wheels was founded back in 2021 by a small group of friends who had a passion for the outdoors and long-distance cycling. There were a few other LGBTQ+ cycling groups out there, but they were mainly for gay men.
Plus it was difficult for many queer people to find a community and a safe space, especially for trans, non-binary people, or gender non-conforming people. So Queers on Wheels exists to bring all queer people together through a love of cycling.
What have been the highlights?
For me, each ride I go on always feels like the best one. A favourite would be one we did from London out to the Surrey Hills. In that kind of environment, you can have some lovely conversations with people, which is a big reason why I love what we’re able to do.
How will you be using the Share the Joy grant?
A real mix of things, from maintenance courses to the cost of train tickets for riders who might be struggling a bit with money. We’re also in the middle of planning a major bikepacking trip, so the funds are also going to go towards helping cover costs, to ensure as many as possible can share the adventure.
What’s the impact of the funding been so far?
It’s had a real impact. We’ve been able to pay for mental health training for some of the team. Many in the queer community are struggling now, and it’s something that I think we should talk about more, and as a group we’re better equipped to support them.
What would you say to other organisations thinking of applying?
Just go for it. Keep it simple and keep in mind the community you’re serving.
Name: Philippa Curphey (regional manager, south-east) and Simon Denton (Kingston coordinator)
Borough: Kingston
What’s the history of Wheels for All?
We’re the largest provider of inclusive cycling in the country. We dream of a world where every disabled person and those with long-term health conditions can feel the exhilaration, joy and empowerment of cycling. Our Kingston hub opened in August 2022 and from the outset the demand was evident and we quickly became fully booked.
Can you describe some of your personal highlights to date?
It’s great when you build that rapport with a group. Our school group is mostly non-verbal, but you can see the enjoyment on all their faces, and the day-care centres like to have banter with our team. They ask ‘how many laps should I aim for?’ and it’s lovely to be such a massive part of their week.
What are you using the Share the Joy funding for?
The fund is already helping us cover essential costs like ongoing cycle maintenance, which is vital for keeping our sessions safe, reliable, and accessible week after week.
It’s also enabled us to invest in our brilliant staff and volunteers by providing training in areas like first aid and bike maintenance. All of which allows us to keep running the sessions and helping whoever we can.
Are you able to see the impact the funding has had?
The Share the Joy fund has made a transformative difference to our inclusive cycling sessions. It has allowed us to offer more personalised support and welcome a wider range of participants each week.
The result of that is a professional yet inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued — whether they’re trying cycling for the first time or rediscovering a passion they thought was no longer possible.
And what would you say to other organisations that might be thinking of applying to Share the Joy?
I’d highly recommend it. The Share the Joy grants have enabled real, inclusive change in communities. For smaller organisations or grassroots groups thinking about applying, it can be a game-changer.
If you’re doing something that brings people together and makes a difference, this fund can help you take it further.
Any organisation which has a great idea and has already started to flesh it out, I think go for it and I think that’s exactly the type of projects that Share the Joy excels at funding. It’s been a catalyst to help bring our ideas to life.
The fifth round of Share the Joy funding is open now! Apply today for a share of the fund to potentially transform your group or project!
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