Green Bike Project workshop opened by ITFC CEO

The CEO of Ipswich Town Football Club has officially opened the doors to an Ipswich charity’s brand-new facility, allowing it to support even more adults with learning disabilities.

Genesis Orwell Mencap held a grand opening ceremony on January 18 for its new Green Bike Project workshop, based on Wright Road, opened by Ipswich Town’s Mark Ashton.

The project was completed on a non-profit basis and led by SEH French, with support from firms including KLH Architects, Superstructures, tbf Scaffolding, Jarrolds, H2O Heating & Plumbing, Ace Bugg Brickwork, Ipswich Engineering, M&S Contractors, Brook Electrical, Plasufix, Cadman Flooring and S&G Industrial Roofing.

Rob Hart, Chief Executive of Genesis Orwell Mencap, said: “Having this new facility is a huge milestone for Genesis and it would not be a reality without the crucial support of everyone involved.”

The Green Bike Project provides valuable work experience to adults with learning disabilities, who are taught how to repair bicycles which are then sold on to prevent waste, encourage cycling and support the charity’s work.

Completion of the project was made possible by the generosity of businesses involved who offered their services on a non-profit basis, as well as donations to the charity.

Neil Pryke, Contracts Manager at SEH French, said: “Projects like this are a great example of the brilliant community we have in Ipswich.

“We are thrilled to have been involved in the development of the new workshop, which provides a suitable year-round base for The Green Bike Project.

“Thank you to all the businesses who have contributed and offered their services without profits. We look forward to seeing the fantastic work of the charity reach even more people.”

Mark Ashton, CEO of Ipswich Town, said: “It’s an amazing project, it’s at the heart of the local community.

“I’ve been in Ipswich for two and a half years now and I’ve been blown away by this amazing community and the way it works together.

“This type of project typifies this community and stakeholders – when people come together, they can achieve amazing things.”

Councillor Lynn Mortimer, Mayor of Ipswich, said: “It is great to see so many people who have contributed to this fantastic project. SEH French and the other local businesses have done a fantastic job putting this building together. I send my thanks to everyone in this community who has contributed.”

Genesis Orwell Mencap provides a range of high-quality day services in Ipswich for people with learning or physical disabilities. Find out more about them at www.orwellmencap.co.uk.

SEH French is an Ipswich-based construction firm which operates across East Anglia. To find out more about the company, please visit www.sehfrench.co.uk.