The benefits and outcomes of scooter-loan schemes
Scooter loan schemes like FW2′s are sometimes called Wheels to Work (W2W) or Wheels to Learn (W2L) initiatives. There are over 60 similar schemes elsewhere in the UK, mostly in England.
An evaluation of 12 of the Wheels to Work (W2W) and Wheels to Learn (W2L) schemes in England found that:
the most obvious benefit is that they provide the means of accessing employment, education and training opportunities that an individual might not otherwise have.
However, W2W/W2L is about much more than just providing the means to access work, education and training opportunities. The schemes also help young people to increase their participation in the community and to maintain an active social life, which in turn can improve opportunities and enhance life chances.
The evaluation from England also found that these schemes can provide 16-25 year olds with:
greater independence and improved social skills; increased confidence and self-esteem; responsibility; improved road awareness and road skills; and greater opportunities.
The evaluation also found that organisations and agencies benefit from these schemes as well as young people. In addition there can be financial benefits for the wider economy. So far, similar benefits and outcomes have been identified with the FW2 project in Flintshire.
