Previous Projects

“Keep the inspiration”: Cycling opportunities for people with severe mental illness 2007/8

Project outline

During the autumn/ winter of 2007 we ran a project with partners from the South London and the Maudsley NHS Trust and local voluntary organisations the Fanon Resource Centre and Mosiac Clubhouse. They acted as referral paths to our package of cycling related activities - 1-1 training, fun rides, bike maintenance and other off road sessions. We worked with people ranging from an ex-cycle courier to novice cyclists who had never ridden or who had last ridden in their childhood. We provided pool bikes for people who needed them and gave secondhand cycles (from a local voluntary group, Greasefingers) to those who were keen to continue.

Participant feedback

Serena, 28, from Clapham, has depression and heard about the project through South London and the Maudsley’s weekly Healthy Living Group.
“I last rode my bike when I was 8 or 9. If I hadn’t had the 1 to 1 lessons I’d never have had the confidence to ride again. I thought the roads were too dangerous but now I’m happy to ride on the road.
I used to spend 30 minutes getting the bus to the Healthy Living Group but when I cycle it takes only 20 minutes. In my next cycle lesson I’m going to ride from home to Camberwell, where I attend my therapy sessions. It usually takes me about 40 minutes on the bus and hopefully it will be quicker by bike.
I really enjoyed the Fun Ride today. It was nice to get out into the park. I’m looking forward to doing some more.
The bike maintenance sessions were really good. I learnt how to fix a puncture and I saw a wheel being taken off a bike, something I’d never seen before. The classes have built up my confidence to maintain my bike.
The project gave me the opportunity to learn a new skill which I will continue to use and encourages me to be more active. I used to spend lots of time moping around at home but now I think I can just pop out on my bike. Having transport, being mobile and able to go here and there is good. I can do what I want quickly without having to put things off.”

Partner feedback

Feedback from partners was overwhelmingly positive. We are very grateful to them for their active support in this pilot project – someone from at least one organisation attended each group session we ran. We could not have done it without them.

Partners’ feedback included:

• “I think the motivational aspect of the cycle training was very good for the service users and the prospect of owning their own bikes at the end or the possibility of gaining access to part-time employment . Many people need to know that they will gain something valuable.”
• “All participants who I have spoken to said they enjoyed the cycle sessions thoroughly and it boosted their confidence. “
• “Some carers were pleased with the positive impact the group made on those they support. “
• “One to one sessions were something that people talked to me about, a chance to build confidence and try things out with support”.

What partners believed worked well included:

• “skilled staff that had awareness about mental health issues, timing and they kept in contact as well as letting people not make it every time”
• “flexibility of the service”

The future

As we came up to the end of the project, our colleagues in these partner organisations wanted to continue referring people to us but we had to draw a line due to a lack of funding. We would love to continue running this type of project because of the many benefits it brings.