Cycling for Wellbeing – test
Cycling for Wellbeing is a free, inclusive cycling programme designed to address the needs of people experiencing a wide range of health issues- common mental health issues such as anxiety, stress or depression; severe mental health issues; anyone feeling socially isolated or who may have experienced a bereavement; and anyone wanting to do more physical exercise to reduce the risk of obesity or diabetes.
There are 4 different course types depending on your cycling skill level and you are welcome to progress through the sessions as your skills improve. Download a summary here.
This program is inspired by the NHS 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing– you will build your cycling skills and confidence following the National Standard for Cycle Training syllabus. You will also be able to increase your fitness by taking part in moderately strenuous activity in line with NHS recommendations on healthy levels of exercise.
Through the program you will meet new people, enjoy the natural environment and focus on being in the present moment (taking your mind off things). You will learn new skills and feel the benefits of regular physical activity. You will be introduced to opportunities to give to others through rides to local community organisations and outdoor places of interest.
Where do session take place:
Supported by:
Meeting place for courses in: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London, E20 3AB
Supported by:
Meeting place for courses in: Victoria Park, East London, E3 2JU
Supported by:
Meeting place for courses in: Dalgarno Gardens, West London, W10 5LL
More details on the courses:
Supported by:
What is it? A free, friendly and supportive group session for Adults where you and other beginners will learn how to start, stop and balance on a 2 wheeled cycle on your own.
A 2 hour session with up to 4 participants in the group and 2 friendly cycling instructors. You can attend a maximum of 2 sessions.
Who is it for? You have never ridden a 2 wheeled cycle before, or you rode a very long time ago and are not sure if you are able to cycle independently. If you can already get the bike moving and ride it for 1 minute (even if you are wobbly) then join the Improver class.
You can use a Bikeworks cycle for free.
Eligibility: Funded courses are available for adults who are registered with a GP in Newham and who have a physical or mental health need.
Supported by:
What is it? A free supportive group session for adults where you will do activities and games in the park to improve your cycle control and confidence. Use this session to prepare to go on road or join the cycling for wellbeing group.
A 2 hour session with up to 6 participants and 2 friendly cycling instructors. You can attend a maximum of 2 sessions.
Who is it for? You know you can already ride a 2 wheeled cycle without someone supporting you and you want to improve your skills and confidence OR you want to learn to ride a three wheeler. You want to cycle confidently where there are other people, cyclists and hazards.
You can use a Bikeworks cycle for free.
Also suitable for people who want to learn to ride or improve their skills on an adapted cycle (e.g tricycle).
Eligibility: Funded courses are available for adults who are registered with a GP in Newham and who have a physical or mental health need.
Supported by:
What is it? A free, friendly and supportive group for adults where you will get to know other people and over a month you will explore off road green spaces together by bike. You will learn more about the 5 Steps to Wellbeing and discuss strategies and activities that help you build your resilience.
This course is 8 x 2 hour sessions (two times per week over 4 weeks) with up to 10 participants in the group and 2 friendly cycling instructors. PLease try to come to all the sessions to get the most from it and make new friends.
Who is it for? You can already balance a 2 wheeler independently and want to increase your cycling skills and meet new people whilst exploring the outdoor environment. If you cannot ride on your own, or are not sure if you can then book into a Beginner or Improver session first.
You can use a Bikeworks cycle for free.
Eligibility: Funded places are available for 2 different groups- clikc on the DATES (above) to see which ocurses are available:
- * Newham = Adults who are registered with a GP in Newham and who have a physical or mental health need.
- * Open = Adults from Tower Hamlets or Hackney, Waltham Forest or Newham who have a physical or mental health need.
Supported by:
What is it? A free, friendly and supportive group for adults where you will use your existing cycling skills to start making journeys on quiet roads. After a quick run though to check your cycle control in the park you will quickly progress to cycling on te road in a group and learn how to ride independently whilst sharing the road with others.
This course is 3 x 2 hour sessions (once per week) with up to 4 participants in the group and 2 friendly cycling instructors.
Who is it for? You already have good control of your cycle and are confident to ride in a busy park or other off-road location with good awareness. You should expect to go onto the road in your first session of this course.
If you cannot ride or are not sure then you must book into a Beginner or Improver session and the instructors will let you know if you are ready.
We expect that you will have your own cycle but you can also use a Bikeworks cycle for free.
Eligibility: Funded courses are available for adults who are registered with a GP in Newham and who have a physical or mental health need.
FAQ's
Some people may have additional learning or other support needs, or just need a bit of confidence to join in with group activities the first time around and we are happy to accommodate additional support workers/ friends/ ‘Buddies’.
Buddies can take part in the cycling activities at no cost, or may just accompany participants along to the session(s) to support with finding the location and getting settled in.
If you are a ‘Buddy’ and wish to join in with the cycling activities you will need to:
- Be able to ride a bike without being supported.
- Complete a booking form for yourself (giving consent and letting us know if you want to borrow a cycle)
If you want to learn to ride a 2 wheel cycle please sign up for the Beginners sessions. Then once you have learned, speak to the instructors to advise when you are ready to move up to the Improvers or Cycling for Wellbeing course.
If you are unsure about your cycling ability call the Cycling for Wellbeing Project Manager on 07516552875.
If you have not ridden on a 3 wheeled cycle ever before, then it is recommended you go and test one out at one of our free All Ability Clubs.
Once you know which of our 3 wheelers you are comfortable with and you want to improve your skills in a groups setting- head straight to the Improver session or the Cycle for Wellbeing group.
If you are unsure about your cycling ability or which cycles are on offer, call the Cycling for Wellbeing Project Manager on 07516552875.
We have a huge range of cycles to choose from and you can use them on these courses for free.
Let us know when booking if you want to use one of our cycles.
If you want to ride a 3 wheeled or other type of cycle, then we suggest you drop into one of our free All Ability Cycle Clubs to try out our range and select the one that best suits you for use on your chosen course. Let us know which one it is and we will try and make sure it is ready and waiting for you on the day!
To request a place on a course or session please fill out the Cycling for Wellbeing booking form. We will check the availability of spaces and get back to you by email with a full confirmation. We may need to call you to check some options or details….so please make sure your email and phone number are correct!
If you would like to refer someone please fill out the Cycling for Wellbeing Referral form.
If you would like to refer someone please fill out the Cycling for Wellbeing Referral form. We will then contact your patient/ service user and support them to complete the Booking Form. Alternatively you may support your patient to complete the booking form yourself.
If you are making a referral please make sure the patient has given permission to be contacted by us and note that all information will remain confidential and only be shared on a need-to-know or anonymised basis.
Case Studies
Read Case Studies from previous participants on the Cycling for Wellbeing Program:
We partnered with the City & Hackney Wellbeing Network – learn more about the referral system here
Friends and Great Places
Click on our Friend and Great Places partner organisations who offer resources and programs that you may wish to explore for your Wellbeing, including volunteer programs that may be of interest
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.