Cycling Without Age teams up with Prestwick care home

Working with volunteer 'pilots' from the town's Cycling Without Age group, the scheme is seeing residents at the town's Queens Care Home getting out and about on board a 'trishaw' - a three-wheeled rickshaw - to enjoy the fresh sea air and coastal views.

Cycling without Age Prestwick is part of a global movement started in 2012 in Copenhagen to help to get people of all ages with limited mobility back on their bikes.

The scheme relies on independent fundraising and local volunteers.

Along with preventing loneliness and isolation in the community, studies indicate that the programme can help to improve the long-term happiness and quality of life for care home residents.

The charity's work inspired the team at the home in Ardayre Road, which is run by Sanctuary Care, to set up a partnership to help enrich the lives of their residents.

Care home manager Jacqueline Gordon said: “We are constantly looking for special activities to engage our residents, making sure they feel happy and fulfilled, and it’s fair to say that the trishaw scheme has gone down a storm!

“The rickshaw rides offer residents the opportunity to meet new people and spend time outdoors, by the beach, which as we know is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing.

Margaret Watson and Maisie Holt (Image: Sanctuary Care)

"They are also proving to be a wonderful reminiscence activity for our residents who live with dementia.

"We are really grateful to the kind-hearted cyclists who give their time to brighten our residents’ days.”

One of the residents taking part in the scheme is Les Medina, who recently enjoyed a ride along the promenade, triggering wonderful memories and getting out in the sunshine.

Support worker Maggi Chapman and resident Les Medina (Image: Sanctuary Care)

Les said: “It was a wonderful, special day and I am really looking forward to going back out again.”