Abri Group are pleased to announce we are collaborating with the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership and Spark Somerset to support the health and wellbeing of older adults in Somerset and Dorset.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership to improve the lives of older adults in supported housing. Having the opportunity to pilot SASP’s latest project in six of our schemes has been met with lots of excitement from residents and colleagues alike, and we can’t wait to see the positive benefits of Love to Pedal for the people who take part.
“We’re already thinking of pedal challenges and group sessions in the grounds of the homes, bringing residents together in a safe way” – Sarah Cooley, Hub Delivery Manager at Abri Group
Love to Pedal has been developed by SASP and funded through Sports England’s Tackling Inequalities fund. It will be piloted in six of Abri Group’s Extra Care schemes, combatting social isolation and encouraging older adults to get active. The project offers a virtual cycling programme which includes sets of pedals and virtual cycle rides for residents to pedal along to using their feet or hands to turn the pedals. The videos transport participants to beautiful cycle routes across Somerset, plus parks and green spaces in the safety and comfort of their home. Jane Knowles, SASP CEO, said:
“Even during the current COVID-19 pandemic, with all the associated issues of social distancing, we are pleased to be able to provide this virtual cycle scheme which encourages people to be more physically active in a fun and accessible way.
“Love to Pedal will help people to make and celebrate the small changes you can make every day to enable yourself to move more and we are pleased to be able to provide the equipment, videos and support to community organisations in this difficult period.”
Love to Pedal aims to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults, invigorating them to take charge of their health through safe, low impact and easy-to-access exercise. The pedal sets will help to improve strength and mobility following a period of inactivity during the COVID-19 lockdown.
On Friday 30 October the project was launched at Malmesbury Court in Yeovil. The pilot will take place over three months with the aim to roll it out across other areas in the south of England after. Local charity Spark Somerset are also supporting Love to Pedal. They have been working in partnership with Abri to deliver Take Part, a project aimed at improving wellbeing and reducing isolation in South Somerset, and are encouraging local residents to get involved in the scheme.
To find out more visit www.sasp.co.uk.