A Newtown man has revealed how volunteering at a local cycling workshop helped save his life as he recovered from a mental health breakdown.
Joe Heayberd sparked a police search and rescue mission when he went missing two years ago.
He was hospitalised amid a mental health crisis shortly after being found and later turned to cycling to support his wellbeing.
He now credits a casual visit to community workshop, Bike to the Future, as the turning point in his recovery, and called on others to open up about their struggles.
“I came here one day for a few bike parts, got chatting, started volunteering and I’ve just been here ever since,” says Joe, who is now employed at the shop part-time.
“I’d say to anyone who is struggling: don’t hide it. Meetings and counselling might not be for you, but find someone to talk to. Friends, family – anyone who will listen.”
Joe said he had been struggling with his mental health for several years before finding Bike to the Future.
Things came to a head when he moved back to the Newtown area after a period living in Hereford.
Work and family pressures spiralled and Joe was reported missing after leaving home in the middle of the night and heading into Hafren Forest.
Lost and disorientated, he walked for almost 18 hours before stumbling onto tarmac and flagging down a postman, who delivered him into the safe hands of police and mountain rescue teams.
Professional help from local mental health services played a role in Joe getting his life back on track, but he says the biggest change came when he found Bike to the Future.
The workshop, based in Pendinas on Llanidloes Road, refurbishes donated bicycles, sells spares, and supports local people through volunteering opportunities, social connections and cycling activities.
Joe, 38, said: “A lot of the people I meet through here have been through something, often they’ve been in a dark place.
“We sit out on the bench, have a cup of tea and a chat. You can be open here. There’s none of that stigma.
“We all have a laugh together, there’s no feeling that you’re not welcome. It’s a really good environment to be in, even on your bad days.”
Joe believes his own experience shows how powerful volunteering can be for people who are struggling.
“Coming here saved my life – one hundred per cent,” he said. “It got a weight off my shoulders. Without Bike to the Future, I’d probably still be in a dark hole.”
And he says the workshop’s positive impact extends beyond learning how to fix bikes - Joe says he has seen people grow in confidence simply through being part of a welcoming group.
“There was one lad who was so shy he wouldn’t even come through the front door,” Joe explained.
“Now he comes in, has a laugh and joins in with everybody. Coming here brings you out of your shell.”
Joe also runs cycling activities, with a group meeting at the shop, usually on Monday evenings.
“We just pick a route and head off,” he said. “As long as there’s a café on the way, we’re happy.
“Cycling is good for your mental health. You get on your bike and your head becomes clear.”
Bike to the Future was set up ten years ago by founder Tom Chandler, initially as a not-for-profit focused on developing employment skills.
Funding pressures mean it now runs as a commercial business – but the open-door policy remains and volunteers are welcome.
With retirement looming, Tom is now hoping to hand the reins to Joe.
“The wellbeing element has become crucial to what we do,” Tom said. “It’s ‘stigma-free’ support – we’re primarily a bike repair shop rather than – say - a mental health charity, with all that associated stigma.
“And you don’t have to be a keen cyclist to benefit. You can be someone interested in bike mechanics, or even just a keen biscuit eater.”
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