Small Community Grants 

Congratulations to Bec our physio and our wonderful lifestyle team who were awarded $10,000 Small Community Grant for "The Cycling Project". 

"The Cycling Project" is being created to increase the feelings of freedom, social connection and sensory experience that most people experience from cycling. To enable these same experiences to be provided to our residents and community of Echuca Community for the Aged. This project will see the purchase of a Wheelchair Bike, with pedal support (smart E-Bike), allowing residents to be "ridden" around by staff and volunteers, while experiencing and reminiscing about their first bike as a child, to their first solo adventure into the neighborhood, and longer rides required for mode of locomotion. We are applying for this grant in support of seeking funds for this Project, to enable the startup purchase of the Wheelchair bike to assist in creating these social and sensory experiences for our residents now and into the future.

The Wheelchair Bike — "Van Raam Velo Plus" Allows the transport of a wheelchair (suitable for majority of Wheelchair's) — loaded onto the tilted ramp. Pedaled by the cyclist behind, who has the luxury of the pedal assist (Smart E-Bike). Enabling a variety of volunteers and staff (from sedentary to elite) to provide support to this program. This Bike has been compared to others on the market, standing out for his safety, adaptable for different WC's, and user friendly.

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM YOUR PROJECT?

The Cycling Project aims to provide the of our aged care community with the benefits of, and not limited to lifting their mental health —through outdoor exposure, social and sensory experiences and cycling enjoyment. We aim to increase the social connection of our residents to staff and volunteers within the community. Increasing the outdoor experience for our residents, which includes increased opportunities for outdoor exposure, social fun and enjoyment of being outside. The staff and community volunteers will benefit from the movement (exercise) component of the cycling experience, aswell as the sense of giving back to the community with providing the residents with a fulfilling activity gaining valuable experiences in return. Following on from the last 12 months of the Covid lockdowns, it became increasingly evident through residents conversations that social isolation was experienced, decreased opportunities for social interaction and connection, as well as limited opportunities for outdoor experiences. The physical disablement of the elderly and disabled population, provided a clear need to fulfil the enjoyment of cycling in a modified way.