My Choice is a community-based organisation delivering cycling and physical activity programmes to improve health, wellbeing and social inclusion for communities in and around Hackney. The company works to reduce barriers to participation, particularly for individuals who may otherwise face exclusion due to cost, confidence or lack of access. During the reporting period, My Choice continued its regular community activities while providing additional opportunities to participate in a wider range of sports. Activities included: Cycling classes and training for adult men, women and children, supporting participants to develop riding skills, road confidence and safe cycling practices. The regular community bike hub, providing an ongoing point of access to cycling activities, support and social connection with continued involvement in the Hackney Place Partnership Program, engaging local residents in accessible physical activity and community-building initiatives. Partnership delivery with Trek continued to increase cycling access, awareness and engagement within the community. Climbing sessions, expanding opportunities beyond cycling and helping participants build confidence, resilience and teamwork skills. Run clubs, providing supportive opportunities for community members to become more active, develop their fitness and connect with others. Triathlon training and participation, including preparation sessions and an annual community trip to Southend to enable participants to take part in organised events. My Choice also supported other organisations to train their community members to participate in triathlon, helping to widen access to the sport. Participation in endurance and awareness events, including a London to Paris cycle ride, alongside engagement linked to the London Marathon and BBC platforms, raising awareness of community health inequalities and encouraging local participation in physical activity. Through these activities, My Choice has: Increased access to affordable and inclusive physical activity for residents of Hackney and surrounding areas. Supported participants’ physical health, fitness and mental wellbeing. Built confidence and self-belief, particularly among women, children and people who may not traditionally participate in cycling or endurance sports. Created regular, supportive spaces where community members can build relationships and feel a sense of belonging. Helped participants progress from introductory activities to new challenges, including climbing, running and triathlon. Extended its community benefit by supporting other organisations to create opportunities for their own members. Provided positive role models through participation in endurance challenges and public engagement. My Choice’s work contributes to addressing health inequalities by making physical activity more accessible, strengthening community connections and supporting sustained participation among underserved communities.

During the reporting period, My Choice’s stakeholders included participants, families and local residents in Kings Park, Hoxton, Haggerston, Hackney Wick and other areas of Hackney. Organisational stakeholders included Hackney Council, Sport England, Trek Bikes, London Cycling Campaign, Sustrans, local Hackney primary schools, and other community organisations, delivery partners and funders. My Choice consulted stakeholders through ongoing conversations with residents and participants during activities, end-of-programme evaluations, and direct discussions with schools, partners and funders. These exchanges helped the company understand what was working well, identify barriers to participation and consider how its programmes could better meet local needs. Written impact summaries, photographs and videos were also shared with partners and funders to support reflection and further feedback. Feedback highlighted the value of accessible, locally delivered activities that build confidence, improve wellbeing and strengthen community connections. Stakeholders identified a need for improved access to bikes and equipment across different parts of the borough. They also supported the wider range of activities offered by My Choice, particularly running and climbing, and encouraged greater collaboration with other local organisations. In response, My Choice worked with Hackney Council to explore how running and climbing could be embedded within its funded provision, supporting their continuation alongside established cycling activities. The company also worked with partners to improve access to new bikes in different parts of Hackney and strengthened collaboration with local organisations, including supporting them to prepare community members for triathlon participation. Stakeholder consultation continues to inform the company’s programme development, partnership working and funding discussions, helping ensure that its activities remain responsive to the communities it serves.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration