Health on Wheels
Cycling Projects, is a cycle initiatives charity with a focus on health improvement, disability opportunities and social inclusion, and offers a range of interventions promoting active lifestyles. Cycling Projects has built a strong reputation in developing partnership with Primary Care Trusts sustainable community cycle schemes that are eventually led by the community.
The Health on Wheels initiatives across Manchester are going from strength to strength!!
Through a strong partnership of support that brings together the Joint Health Unit, Manchester Leisure Services, ALFA and SMILE Referral services and Cycling Projects there are now regular cycle activities in some of Manchester’s parks and green spaces.
The cycle rides and activities are structured to encourage and embrace those people recovering from ill health or have been living a sedentary lifestyle to become involved in low level and steady cycle sessions.
A strong aim of the initiative is to give attendees an awareness of how enjoyable and accessible cycling can be, and how easy it is to weave physical activity into their daily routines.
Across Manchester there are regular sessions at Wythenshawe Park, Debdale Park and Platt fields and each park is well connected to several of the city’s greenways ensuring opportunities to cycle into Greater Manchester and beyond.
All cycles, helmets and spares and other such equipment is provided for, so all that people need to do – “is turn up and give it a go!!!”
Many of the attendees have attributed the cycling sessions as one of the reasons for their recovery and rehabilitation, and it is through the sheer dedication and the support of these individuals that the initiatives have been so successful.
“I enjoy the fresh air and the company!!..The group have really been supported its just what I need to get me out and about….plus its also a really great Stress Buster!!” Cyril
“The cycle rides make me feel good, and they give me an enormous amount of well being and confidence” Margaret
Many of the attendees are now looking to become active volunteers within the initiative; whether it be pumping p the tyres, assisting on the rides or making the brews afterwards!!
It is all vital to the ongoing success of the project.
The Health on Wheels initiatives across Bolton
A partnership betweem Bolton PCT, Bolton MBC and Cycling Projects has developed over the last few years with a single aim to offer cycling to many members of the community who are excluded either through ill health or other problems.
The Health on Wheels initiative within Bolton will, in the long term, provide opportunities for local people to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives and in doing so, improve their physical and mental well-being.
Cycles and equipment are provided free of charge to those who need them. A package of cycle activities is co-ordinated by Cycling Projects for the individual attendees:
"I hadn't ridden a bike for about 40 years but have enjoyed the experience. It doesn't matter if you're a complete novice like me - people are there to supervise you - I didn’t know there were so many opportunities to access the green spaces around here!"
cycle ride participant
Adult mental health sessions
Manchester Road Drop In Centre, a day service for people with mental health problems, offers clients new options of activity to give them independence, confidence and the ability to lead a more social and healthier lifestyle.
“Participating in cycle rides, individuals can build on or gain new skills whilst being out of the Centre’s building and in a public setting.” Ian Tierney, On the Move coordinator
Wheels for All offers cycling for people with disabilities and differing needs. Cycling Projects in partnership with Bolton Leisure services is now ready to offer Wheels for All centres (Lever Hulme Park and Bolton Arena) to the communities of Bolton and beyond.
Community volunteers are crucial to the success and the sustainability of the Bolton Health on Wheels project and so we are developing a quality framework to support volunteers and to ensure long term success of the project. It is paramount that people feel a sense of belonging to the Health on Wheels initiative and that they can then mentor and support fellow attendees of future sessions.
Simple tasks such as pumping up the tyres or making the teas and coffees for the group can be carried out by the volunteers , highlighting the importance of the role of a volunteer and this is crucial for the long term success of the initiative.
The future
In partnership with the GP referral officer at East Lancashire PCT, Ian is establishing a programme offering people recovering from ill health the opportunity to become more active through cycling. Cycle training will be available to those who need it, with the option of progressing to cycling with the regulars on the community rides.
Another 2007 target is to reach the Asian community in Bolton, making members aware of the NCN routes, stressing the importance of physical activity in their lifestyles, and offering support, all in partnership with the health promotion team.
On the Move aims for the community to take control of the programme over time, to ensure long-term viability and intensive participation.
