Independent living project pedals ahead with new initiative
A new cycling scheme promoting healthy living has launched in Cardonald, Glasgow, as part of a pioneering project creating sustainable neighbourhoods for healthy ageing.
Residents of all ages, living in the Glasgow suburb, have been invited to take part in the cycling scheme delivered by Bike for Good instructors and Peoplehood volunteers to learn how to ride a bike while developing confidence and enhancing skills.
Vivienne McNiven, Sustaining Physical Activity Lead for Blackwood Housing & Care’s Peoplehood project, said “So far, we have completed one round of the cycling scheme and have welcomed 14 individuals between the age of 40 and 70 – some of the attendees had not been on a bike in over five decades.”
She added “The scheme covered basic cycling skills starting with off road practice before building up to more advanced routes.” explaining that “Following completion of the 10-week scheme, social rides will be organised monthly to maintain skills and encourage movement during the winter months. We appreciate not everyone has access to a bike which is why through the Peoplehood project members will be able to borrow a bike.”
A bike library has also been created at Nethercraigs where those involved in Peoplehood can access bikes with a basic maintenance service.
The initiative is part of Blackwood Housing & Care’s Peoplehood project which aims to develop a future-proof model for independent living for thousands of residents in the suburb, allowing people to live healthier and happier for longer.
Peoplehood develops and delivers products, services and business models with partners to support people to achieve five more years of healthy ageing while living independently in their own home.
The scheme is central to creating sustainable physical activities, with local people and facilities at the heart of the initiative. In the coming months the project will begin to roll out in two other Peoplehood areas, Buckie in Moray and Charleston in Dundee.
Heather Duncan, Programme Lead for Blackwood Housing & Care’s Peoplehood project, said: “The scheme will allow families and individuals to enjoy cycling, build confidence, and take part in healthy activities.”
“Peoplehood is a chance to completely transform how communities are shaped and it’s an exciting programme designed to create the places, homes and neighbourhoods of the future while giving older people better quality of life in their own homes and community that feels easier, happier and healthier.”
Any adults living in the three neighbourhoods can sign up to take part. They will spend time working with the project team in various ways, such as taking part in interviews or focus groups, testing new systems or services, and potentially joining co-design workshops.
The £12 million project will see the three neighbourhoods benefit from free tablets and Wi-Fi for participants to help them get digitally connected, while also delivering e-bikes, electric cars and a host of equipment and activities, all according to local demand.
People looking to join the Blackwood Peoplehood Project can find more information at www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk/peoplehood
or by messaging: getinvolved@blackwoodgroup.org.uk