Local MP Alan Mak has shown his support for a scheme that aims to get people in Hayling Island out and about and reduce social isolation and loneliness.
He met Cycling Without Age volunteer co-ordinator Jenni Van Wijk at Hayling Island Community Centre and went for a ride in an electric tricycle piloted by lead volunteer for Hayling, Roger Knight, who is an Islander himself.
Cycling Without Age started in Denmark in 2012 and has now spread to towns and cities across 39 countries.
Services in Hayling Island are funded by the NHS and operated by the YOU Trust, a Hampshire-based charity that supports vulnerable people.
The initiative gives people the opportunity to partner with fully-trained and DBS-checked volunteers to take rides in one of the organisation's Triobike electric tricycles, experiencing the sights and sounds of their local community.
Alan Mak MP said, “I’ve welcomed the tricycle to my annual Community Information Fair on Hayling for several years where it has proven popular with Islanders so I was delighted to go for ride myself to experience his fantastic community project in person. I’m delighted the NHS funds the trike and I will continue to support the project that brings so much joy to local people.”
A team of more than 60 volunteers offer safe and stimulating rides seven days a week. Each tricycle can take two passengers and 76 people in Hayling and Portsmouth enjoyed rides during August.
Short 15-minute taster rides are available at regular morning drop-in events at Hayling Island Community Centre on the last Wednesday of each month.
Portsmouth residents in the PO1-PO6 catchment area can apply to Cycling Without Age by downloading a self-referral form.
In Hayling, you can access the service if you are a patient at a GP surgery run by the Hayling Island and Emsworth Primary Care Network - either The Elms and Waterside in Hayling or Emsworth Medical Practice.
To find out more about Cycling Without Age, please go to https://theyoutrust.org.uk/cycling-without-age/ or call 02392 065504.
