Watch Louis Theroux get on his bike for refugees with one of our Changemakers

Filmmaker Louis Theroux teamed up with Big Issue Changemaker Jem Stein to support his social enterprise that gets refugees cycling.

The broadcaster donated to and bought a bike from The Bike Project, which takes second-hand bikes, fixes them up and donates them to refugees and asylum-seekers in London in order to help them get around and access essential services.

Theroux was filmed receiving his purchase from The Bike Shop and donating his own bike to the project for repair and resale.

https://twitter.com/The_BikeProject/status/1114070894543028225

Founder of the project Jem Stein was named one of our top 100 Changemakers in 2019. He said that the video of the delivery of Theroux’s bike was intended to “mimic the style of his documentaries,” adding, “He was lovely throughout and it’s already been incredible publicity for us.”

Theroux presented The Bike Project with the National Lottery’s Charity of the Year award in September.

As well as providing refugees and asylum seekers with bikes, the initiative provides them with “bike buddies” from the local area who are paired up with those using their new bikes to build their confidence in doing so.

In order to fund their mission, The Bike Project sells bikes to the public as well as donating them to those in need. Bikes can be purchased online, with the website currently hosting a sale with up to 25% off bikes and free nationwide delivery.

The social enterprise recently announced a star-studded comedy fundraiser being held in Islington later this year. The event, dubbed Jokes & Spokes, will feature Ed Byrne, Nish Kumar, Jen Brister and Deborah Frances-White. The show will take place on 11 June at 7.30pm at Union Chapel. Ticket prices currently range between £15.60 and £19.50 through early bird offers, and will cost £25 from 15 April. Tickets can be purchased here.

Donations can also be made to The Bike Project via its website.

Image: The Bike Project/Twitter/iStock