Pedal power at Cheltenham care home

The cyclists are all residents at Gloucestershire House, a care home run by charity Leonard Cheshire. The residents there have taken up the charity’s inclusive cycling activity in the region, as well as pedalling away in competitions on static bikes at the home.  

Their efforts were captured on celluloid, in a film released on 16 July by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. The film tells the story of last year’s Christmas cycling contest, where all residents competed against each other in groups, and shows how this inspired everyone to stay active and keep cycling.

Helen Forrest, who uses an electric wheelchair and has lived at Gloucestershire House for 10 years, said:

‘I go on the static bikes as often as I can. I did two sessions on a hand cycle today and I really enjoyed it.

‘Once I get on a bike I want to keep going and I try to push myself. But I can see that everybody gets a lot out of it. Competition encourages lots of people to give things a go.

‘I love the outdoor sessions too. I’m enjoying the chance to keep active. I want to get involved whenever I can.’

Dave Evans, 57, uses an electric wheelchair and began living at Gloucestershire House this year. Spurred on by the achievements of fellow residents, he now loves using the static bikes.

He said:

‘I love the opportunity to get the legs working. It makes me feel better. The workout is helping me with my goal to lose weight too.’

Piers Baker, chartered physiotherapist at Gloucestershire House, said:

‘People really enjoy the competitions. There’s an excitement and an energy.

‘It’s about creating something that’s fun, engaging and active. It’s great to see people high-fiving each other and having fun.’

Becca Bryant, Head of Campaigns at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said:

‘We were really impressed with the creative approach to encouraging physical activity at Gloucestershire House.

‘Taking the bikes out of the gym and putting them in a social setting makes exercise part of the normal day and works well for the residents.

‘We chose to film at Gloucestershire House because we think the physio team have found a good way to remove barriers to exercise whilst making physical activity fun, and we hope this will inspire others.’

The film of the Gloucestershire House cyclists is called Making Activity Happen and is part of the ‘Love Activity, Hate Exercise?’ campaign from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. 

The CSP’s Love Activity, Hate Exercise? campaign offers advice and guidance from physiotherapy staff on how to overcome barriers to exercise and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Media enquiries

For additional information and photos, contact Nick Bishop in Leonard Cheshire’s external communications team. T: 01202 747100. 07889 976267 E: nick.bishop@leonardcheshire.org. Out of hours press office mobile: 07903 949 388

Notes to editor

Wheels for all

Leonard Cheshire is already known for its inclusive cycling tradition thanks to its outdoor inclusive cycling project, Gloucestershire Wheels for all. Many Gloucestershire House residents take part in regular sessions at the Blackbridge Athletics Track and the Forest of Dean.

Lesley Gamm, service manager at Gloucestershire House, said:

‘People are having a laugh, interacting, and getting a cardiovascular workout. By doing group things, they encourage each other. We’re finding new ways to motivate people and get them to enjoy physical activity.’

Gloucestershire House 

Gloucestershire House is a residential service with nursing care run by Leonard Cheshire. This service in Cheltenham supports up to 36 disabled adults and includes 6 separate bungalows as ‘supported living’ accommodation. It has a hydrotherapy pool, a physio and an occupational therapist, and offers a wide range of activities to residents.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body for physios, physiotherapy support staff and physiotherapy students. They have more than 58,000 members. Nine out of ten qualified physiotherapists are members.

As part of the Love Activity campaign, they have great resources to help you stay active when you have a long-term condition.