Balhousie Care Group residents have been getting their fix of the great outdoors with the help of a local cycling charity.
Cycling Without Age visits North Inch and North Grove in Perth twice a week, taking residents for a spin in its custom-built electric trishaws.
The three-wheeled bikes have a two-person seat on the front and are powered by volunteer ‘pilots’.
On Mondays and Fridays they visit the homes, taking the residents on a journey through North Inch Park to Perth city centre, where they stop off for coffee and cake before enjoying a scenic trip home.
It means residents, particularly those who are living with mobility issues, are able to enjoy the great outdoors, as well as increased socialisation.
“The volunteers at Cycling Without Age are amazing,” says Mima Hird, Activities Coordinator at North Inch.
“I don’t know any resident who doesn’t want to go out. When they come back you can see how much they have enjoyed it.
“They really feel the benefits of getting out, which enhances both their physical and mental wellbeing.”
It’s not just the residents who benefit from their twice-weekly trips. The volunteers find it hugely rewarding, too.
“It’s a pleasure taking the residents out. They really enjoy it,” says David Carswell, one of several volunteers who visit the Perth homes.
“A lot of them have mobility issues and need assistance getting out and about, so this is a great way of doing that and helping them experience new horizons.
“We have a lovely route beside the Tay. We can go up to Inveralmond, or we can go the other way into the city. It ticks a lot of boxes for the residents.
“The pilots all enjoy taking the residents out, and it’s a very rewarding thing to do.”
The pilots are well aware of the positive impact the charity can have on the lives of the residents – and are keen to attract more volunteers so they can expand their operation.
“I saw on Facebook they were looking for volunteer pilots, and I just thought it was fantastic,” adds Wendy Miller.
“I used to work in a care home, and the value of getting them out in the fresh air is huge.
“There are huge benefits to their physical and mental wellbeing. I don’t do it for me – I get enjoyment from the fact they enjoy it.”
For more information on Cycling Without Age, click here.
