Cycling Without Age Scotland (CWAS) is a charity providing FREE outings for elderly people with mobility issues. Our volunteer pilots (trishaw cyclists) take people out of their care homes to enjoy fresh air and engagement with the outdoors along the Promenade at Largs.
Description
Description: Our CWAS Chapter in Largs provides outings of between 20 and 90 minutes along the Promenade for residents in care homes, and individuals at home, giving them spells of fresh air and conversation, plus seeing life along the shore. The visual stimulation and conversations along the way are hugely beneficial to their physical and emotional wellbeing.
The outings (jaunts) take place on our ‘trishaw’ (see photo) which is powered by one of our volunteer pilots (assisted by a battery) and carries a deserving passenger plus a carer or relative. We are also happy to take out disabled people of all ages, special schools and children’s and adults’ hospices.
Benefits to Volunteers: The volunteers, once trained and qualified, get a chance to be part of something that makes a real difference to the lives of those in their community. They form friendships and, from the stories they hear on the rides, learn more about their locale. Plus they develop important social skills and their own health will benefit from the exercise and fresh air. All our volunteers find it a hugely rewarding activity.
Benefits to Passengers: Our service helps address loneliness and isolation for the elderly and those of all ages less mobile in the local community but it can also be a lifeline to able-bodied people who may have experienced mental health challenges. This unique befriending service is often the highlight of a passenger’s week and something they look forward to.
With an unrestricted view and interested, lively company, fresh air, a slow pace and the chance to interact with passersby (old friends and new), the rides are a highly stimulating experience for many who spend much of their time indoors and on their own. The CWAS Trishaws provide a sustainable form of recreation providing access to the fantastic scenery to those who would otherwise be unable to enjoy those routes. In addition, the opportunity for rides will allow community events to be more inclusive and accessible.
Seeing other people and places stimulates both the mind and the body and leaves the person feeling happy and even those who have memory impairment are left with feelings of elation.
Breakdown of Costs: We are seeking funding to cover the cost of operating our booking system for the next two years. This is made up of:
Mobile Phone pay-as-you go costs of £10 per month for 24 months => £240
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