On yer Bike!

Ricky was struggling to get out of his cell. He's in HMYOI Wetherby and is not allowed to mix with any of the other lads. Even though he can leave his room for exercise, when you're on your own and there's not much going on, it's hard to get motivated.

Stock image. Unsplash

In2Out staff have been going to chat with him and do some cooking, which is something he really enjoys. While they were cooking together, Beth asked him how he liked to spend his time 'on the out'. He didn't seem to have a lot of ideas, so Beth asked about going for a bike ride. Ricky said, "I don't know how to ride a bike... but I wish I could." Beth pursued the idea.

Ricky's support team though it was a great idea, and one of the officers said they would be happy to teach him. The following week, Ricky didn't want to leave his cell, so Beth asked if he wanted to come and see if there was a bike suitable for him. Reassuring him that he didn't have to stay if he didn't want to, he could just come and look. Leaving him with an officer, Beth went to see another lad. Half-an-hour later, when she looked out of the window, there was Ricky, riding a bike!

He's been out a couple of times since and is growing in confidence every time, even learning to set off without help. When Beth went outside to see him, he had a massive smile on his face and said, "I'm really proud of myself!"