Be-spoke service at JW3

Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the most effective, as Jem Stein proved with his bike scheme that collects unwanted bikes to be repaired and then donated to asylum seekers.

Mr Stein, 27, launched the project in March 2013 to help refugees in the UK gain access to vital services such as education, health-care and food charities. He was inspired by his time spent mentoring Darfur refugees at university.

He said: "When refugees come here they get £36 a week to live off and they're not allowed to work. That limbo period can last several years, and London transport is very expensive. Free bikes allow many to access services they need. Having a bike is the first step to normal living."

For Mitzvah Day he brought the project to JW3 where 17 donated bikes were repaired by him and his team of three mechanics, two of whom had received free bikes through the project.