Birmingham Airport is supporting a local charity which helps get women cycling to boost their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Saheli Hub Cycling Club, based in Ward End Park, was awarded £3,000 by the Birmingham Airport Community Trust Fund to buy new cycles.
Shaafia Bi, Cycling Activity Coordinator, of Saheli Cycling Club, said: “Saheli Cycling Club has been running women-only cycling sessions from Ward End Park for over 12 years and has taught over 2,500 women how to ride a bike.
“The cultural change towards cycling in the area has been amazing. Alongside teaching them how to ride, we have also supported locals to volunteer and train as Ride Leaders and Instructors for the club.
“The funds Birmingham Airport has provided are going on new equipment, including two new trikes.
“At Saheli Cycling Club we want to continue to remove barriers to women participating in cycling.
“We really are a social club and have helped many through isolation coming out of Covid-19. The new trikes will ensure everyone can participate regardless of ability.”
Birmingham Airport Community Trust Fund is run independently of the airport. The money granted to the cycling club is enabling it to buy essential tools, helmets and other safety equipment.
Andy Holding, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Birmingham Airport, said: “The trustees decided to award this funding to Saheli Hub because they could see the huge benefits they deliver for women in the community.
“They provide innovative and culturally sensitive services to help individuals improve their physical and mental health and reduce social isolation – a cause we are thrilled to support.”
The funding was provided by the Birmingham Airport Community Trust Fund, which grants up to £5,000 to community groups in those areas most affected by the Airport’s operations. It was part of a total of more than £38,000 awarded to 14 community organisations as part of the current round of grants. These included:
- £3,000 to Rainbow Alliance Kingshurst, for catering equipment
- £3,000 to Marston Green Netball Club, for resurfacing their netball court
- £3,000 to RajoRadio in Bordesley Green, for radio broadcasting equipment
- £500 to All Saints Church in Shard End, for arts and crafts materials
This year the airport has contributed nearly £100,000 to the Community Trust Fund, which also receives any charges made on airlines which breach the airport’s strict noise regulations.
