Cycling Without Age Scotland launches Forth Valley Royal Hospital chapter in charity first

The charity, which offers trishaw rides to those who face mobility challenges or disabilities, or who live with loneliness and isolation, has partnered with NHS Forth Valley for the launch of its first branch in a hospital setting.

CWAS Scotland currently operates in 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas and provides close to 32,000 trishaw rides a year, every one of them free of charge.

Now, with the launch of the chapter at the local hospital even more people locally including hospital patients can benefit from the experience.

Members of the public have already signed up to be trishaw riders, known as pilots, with the new chapter and a large number of hospital staff are expected to follow, with several already volunteering.

The chapter was officially opened last Thursday by Ross McGuffie, NHS Forth Valley’s chief executive; Gary Bouse, MSP for Falkirk West; Christine Bell, CEO of CWAS; and Jean Weir chair of the CWAS trustees and Board Secretary.

Mr McGuffie, said: “We are delighted to welcome Cycling Without Age Scotland to Forth Valley. This fantastic initiative will give patients the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, a change of scenery and valuable social interaction, all of which can support wellbeing and recovery.

"It also makes wonderful use of the green spaces around Forth Valley Royal Hospital, bringing patients, families, staff, volunteers and our wider community together in a positive, enjoyable and uplifting way for everyone involved.”

Gary Bouse, MSP Falkirk West added: “The launch of this CWAS Chapter at FVRH marks an exciting milestone. I was fortunate to support Christine Bell as Cycling Without Age took shape at Tryst Community Centre before it spread to every corner of Scotland.

“Her passion, determination and hard work have made it something very special and she has built a first class team around her whose members display those same qualities and commitment.

“Thank you to the volunteers, pilots, supporters and the NHS Forth Valley team members for making this possible and helping bring this wonderful initiative to people at the hospital.’’

CWAS, a leading member of the global organisation Cycling Without Age, introduced the concept of free rides in pioneering eBike trishaws to Scotland.

More than 2000 volunteers have been involved with the charity since its launch. It has grown from one chapter and five trishaws in the Falkirk area in 2018 to now having more than 100 chapters and over 150 vehicles across Scotland.

Christine Bell, CWAS’ CEO, said: “Today is exciting in so many ways, but especially because it reflects a fantastic new partnership. Everyone at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has been so enthusiastic as this project has developed and we know that, working together, it will go from strength to strength.

“It’s widely acknowledged that CWAS benefits the Scottish population through the enrichment and enhancement of people’s lives and the positive impact that has on their well-being.

"But this is the first time that we have had a Chapter actually sited in and in partnership with a hospital, and that is going to help us provide an even more impactful contribution to people’s health and well-being.”

Jean Weir, CWAS’ Chair of Trustees and Board Secretary, added: “CWAS always has been and still is very much a community project, for the community and by the community, and this new Forth Valley Royal Hospital Chapter actually continues that. CWAS engenders community spirit and cohesion and fosters intergenerational relationships.

“FVRH is not only a very sizeable community in its own right, it’s also serving a large local community and we’re confident that this new CWAS Chapter will help it to do so even more effectively.”

For more information or to volunteer for the service contact CWAS at [email protected] or call 01324 467 272.