Swindon Brownies earn badges at Salvation Army bike shop

The sound of bicycle pumps and giggles filled the air at The Salvation Army’s Swindon Booth House Recycles workshop recently, as Specialist Support Worker Simon Styles traded his usual daily tasks for a uniquely rewarding challenge: teaching basic bike maintenance to 20 enthusiastic Brownies. 

The two-hour session, organised by the Brownies to earn their new mechanics badge, saw Simon and fellow volunteer Shane guide the seven-year-olds and up through essential bike safety checks and maintenance tips. The evening was “a bit chaotic, to say the least,” Simon admitted, but ultimately “very enjoyable” and “fantastic.” 

Simon who leads the Recycles project at Booth House Lifehouse said, “They were very enthusiastic and willing to learn. It’s a great way of showcasing the work that The Salvation Army does and bringing the wider community into the shop.” 

The Recycles project, part of Booth House Lifehouse, repairs and refurbishes bicycles while providing vital skills training for residents experiencing homelessness. The initiative not only teaches practical mechanics but also fosters confidence and structure. 

The Brownies’ visit is part of a broader community outreach effort. Recycles also runs bike courses for the mental health charity MIND and other local agencies. These engagements help break down stereotypes about homelessness by opening the doors of the project to the wider Swindon community. 

Simon explained, “It opens doors. It’s a way of bringing the wider community in so we can showcase what we do and get the residents involved as well.” 

At any time, up to five or six residents volunteer at the bike shop, gaining valuable work experience and building a routine in a supportive environment. The success of the evening was marked not just by the skills the Brownies learned, but by a special token of appreciation—Simon and Shane were also proudly awarded their own Brownie mechanics badges, a fitting reward for a night spent building more than just bikes. 

The Salvation Army Booth House Lifehouse on 1 Spring Close in Swindon is a 50-bed hostel that provides 24-hour direct access accommodation and resettlement support for single men and women over 18. It supports adults with Swindon connections who face homelessness often due to addiction, mental health challenges, or financial hardship, offering structured pathways to long-term housing.   

Its social enterprises, like the Recycles bike shop and The Sandwich People, offer residents practical work experience, life skills training, and a pathway to rebuilding their lives. To learn about the Recycles project visit their website: WELCOME - Recycles.