‘Wheels’ is a project run by Harold Hill Youth Motocross that has provided a local alternative education provision on a motorcycle related training programme for young people since 1999. It was originally set up to provide a response to young people in Harold Hill becoming at risk of engaging in criminal activity.
The project was developed by detached youth workers, young people and adult members of the community, who together identified the needs and main interest of young people, in particular young people who were socially excluded, at risk or disaffected.
HYMX has been under new management since August 2005 and continues to attract young people from the whole of Havering, other London boroughs and from Essex. Hymx now caters for a wide range of young people; the good, the bad and the ugly!
Our aim is to engage young people through our appealing activities and to establish positive and constructive relationships so that they can enjoy learning and develop their self-esteem, self confidence and social skills whilst doing something they enjoy and are enthusiastic about.
HYMX programmes introduce young people to health and safety issues of motorcycles. They can learn basic maintenance skills of motorcycles and can take part in track riding to learn to ride safely and gain some basic riding skills. The project’s sessions provide young people with a better understanding of the consequences of illegal riding, how to protect themselves and others when riding motorcycles and encourage a more responsible attitude to motorcycle safety. Young people can also gain a nationally recognised accreditation for their work and can use this to gain access to further education or employment. The programmes also cover a range of social and health issues.
HYMX is a registered charity (number 1086904) and currently provides the following opportunities for young people in the 11 to 19 age range:
Through providing informal educational opportunities, using motorcycles as a medium, our aims are:
Our project is unrivalled throughout the borough as there is no other motorcycle related education project.
