Summary
The Highland Cycle Ability Centre allows those with disabilities, including those both complex and challenging, the opportunity to relax and enjoy adapted cycling activities enjoyed by their non-disabled peers, thus allowing their carers to relax and enjoy a break from their usual routine.
What Cycling for the Disabled did
The project provided cycling opportunities for all abilities but primarily for those with disabilities and long-term medical conditions. The peaceful, traffic-free environment at Cantray near Nairn enabled users and, also, their carers if they so wished, the opportunity to enjoy a recreational activity in complete safety.
The project benefitted the young disabled and their carers. Activities related predominantly to cycling with our wide range of specialised cycles thereby promoting basic fitness and cycling skills, thus giving the opportunity to make friends, gain confidence and increase self esteem; all this accrued directly to the carer by improving the enjoyment, and relaxation of the disabled person, in turn allowing the carer to benefit from the improved quality of life of their charge, allowing them to get a break to pursue their own interests by participating in a family activity or being able to undertake other things, with the assurance that the young person in their care was being responsibly looked after.
The activities took place mainly at the Centre every weekday and on selected weekends. We also delivered an Outreach service to other rural areas across Highland, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Western Isles and Stirling. As well as delivering sessions to our regulars and transient visitors, other user groups included:
SOAR Invergordon
SNAP Inverness
Enable Scotland (Caithness Branch)
Reach 4 Reality
Galaxy Group
Go Dynamix
National Autistic Society (Ellon)
Cornerstone (Moray)
Adventures Unlimited Scotland
Direct Childcare
Sandwickhill Learning Centre, Lewis
Using the adapted cycles was not only beneficial in terms of improving health and wellbeing but also in terms of improving levels of independence which users could then transfer into other parts of their lives. The project once again exceeded our expectations with regards to the number of service users and carers enjoying the benefits of cycling. Word of mouth referrals proved particularly effective in enhancing the reputation of the Centre.
What Watermill Foundation Ltd has learned
Physical activities for those with disabilities are limited. The Project has reinforced the need for a 'tailor-made' environment where service users and their carers can reap the health and wellbeing benefits of cycling by undertaking a shared activity irespective of ability.
Now into year 6 of the Project, new partnerships continue to be formed with other cycling-based projects such as Wheelness and Gravitate North East. That said, there appears to be a shift away from cycling to improve one's health and wellbeing and greater emphasis placed upon sustainable transport and improved cycling networks.
Facility development here at the Centre has been based around the needs of our service users and carers. Our new 'Adventure Trail' has been redesigned to make it more accessible for walkers, wheelchair users and cyclists of all abilities to ensure that it is fully inclusive and fun for all visitors.
How Watermill Foundation Ltd has benefitted from the funding
This funding helped provide a level of sustainability thus allowing staff to focus wholly upon the needs of its individual users and their support network. There will always be a need for our services and the funding contributed massively in terms of our ability to further develop partnerships across all sectors as we strive to become more self-sustainable and a leader in the field of adapted cycling provision. The reputation of the Centre has gone from strength to strength with increased visitor numbers throughout the reporting period, increased regular users, increased outreach sessions across Scotland and, finally, more new user groups scheduled throughout the next reporting period including Moray Active Schools and Parklands Care Home Group.
Project Outcomes
Outcome
Regular attendance at both organised Saturday Sessions / Holiday Bookings and drop-in sessions throughout the week.
Results
80 service users enjoyed cycling on our specialised cycles. As well as our regulars, we also provided opportunities to several groups – opportunities that many people with disabilities find difficult to access. The fact that people travelled from areas such as Caithness and Moray to get to the Centre is testament to the value placed upon finding the right activity in a safe and welcoming environment.
Case study
S is aged 10 and has a physical disability. "Wonderful visit and such great help from Gareth and Lesley with the bikes. First time my youngest has been able to use an adapted bike and she aced it riding up hill and having a blast. Great, safe 1km track and brilliant selection of bikes for me, the kids and nana to try. Can’t recommend highly enough!"
"You gave us some of our best days out last summer holidays. Thanks!!"
Mother, Jul 2018 / Mar 2019
Outcome
At least 70 carers will improve their health and wellbeing either:
a. Directly by enjoying ‘free time’ whilst service users cycle
b. Indirectly by enjoying fun cycling activities with service users in a safe environment
Results
80 service users enjoyed cycling on our specialised cycles thus affording 160 carers the opportunity to share this activity or pursue other interests.
Case study
C is a teenager with Autism. “Just wanted to say a massive thank you to you both for your time, care & support on Tuesday at our first visit. It was amazing to be able to cycle together as a family after all these years!! And to see C so chuffed with himself was just priceless!! We will definitely be back, but in the meantime do hope you both keep well & keep pedalling!! All the very best!!”
Mother, Sep 2018
Outcome
Carers continuing to trust the Highland Cycle Ability Centre’s provision of a safe and enjoyable cycling experience for young people with disabilities within their care. In turn this will lead to repeat visits, structure to service users' timetable of activities and peace of mind to carers.
Results
80 service users enjoyed cycling on our specialised cycles thus affording 160 carers the opportunity to share this activity or pursue other interests.
Case study
I took my two boys here today to learn to ride their bikes in a safe environment. Really helpful, friendly and accommodating staff. A great track, great facilities and a stunning location. A hidden gem in our midst!
Father, Oct 2018
Outcome
At least 70 service users / 140 carers with improved health and wellbeing through the use of our adapted cycles.
Results
80 service users enjoyed cycling on our specialised cycles thus affording 160 carers the opportunity to share this activity or pursue other interests.
Case study
‘It’s like riding a bike’. Well for most it is. For years we’ve been through the paces of trying to help G to do exactly that. Due to poor coordination, he’s always found it really difficult to use the pedals to make the bike move. God knows how much we’ve tried, resulting in mostly back issues (for those helping) bending down constantly by using hands to encourage him to use his feet to keep the pedal work going. Today, we made our first trip to Highland Cycle Ability Centre. Thanks to the tandem bikes, a brilliant team and a couple of times round the track later, G managed to use the pedals independently. A massive achievement and just so proud of our boy. Plus, we were all there to see it. #emotionalhigh. It’s also fair to say E (sister) had a lot of fun too!!
Father, Jul 2018
Today, after years of perseverance and a few recent sessions at Highland Cycle Ability Centre , G managed to ride his own bike, at home, all on his own, and that’s a pretty awesome achievement right there. Go G!
Father, Aug 2018