FEATURE ACTIVITY
Cycling for recovery during the COVID-19 lockdown
Chloe Rosser reflects on the development of a cycling project in Devon , to help tackle social isolation and occupational deprivation
With a global pandemic bringing the nation to a standstill , occupational disruption and deprivation has been apparent for most , not least those experiencing mental health issues . In these unprecedented times , it has been imperative to develop initiatives to facilitate occupational engagement .
The Devon Community Forensic Service ( DCFS ) has teamed up with Ride On – Cycling for All , a local charity based at Exeter Quay , to offer social inclusion and engagement through physical activity for the people who use the service .
This has been the first successful community group developed by DCFS , which is part of Devon Partnership NHS Trust . The project has been funded by Active Devon through a ‘ tackling inequalities fund ’ during the COVID-19 pandemic .
DCFS , which is a multidisciplinary team , was established in November 2018 , being one of three sites awarded funding by NHS England to become pilot services for new community forensic teams . Staff work in pairs – an occupational therapist and a registered mental health nurse – to provide a holistic approach to care co-ordination .
Following a successful pilot , the focus of the service has been to accelerate the discharge of patients from secure inpatient services while supporting transition , reintegration into the community and developing their independence and improving quality of life .
The service works with men and women across Devon who have mental health conditions alongside physical health co-morbidities . There are also the added complexities of weight gain , which is often a side effect of antipsychotic medication , a history of drug and alcohol misuse and criminal convictions , which have led to contact with the criminal justice system .
DCFS focuses on working with individuals to develop pro-social relationships , social inclusion and meaningful roles and routines , which correlates well with Ride On ’ s mission statement to improve physical health and wellbeing . Its aim is to get more people on affordable bikes , while offering education and training to keep them on the move , and improve mental and physical health and wellbeing .
The importance of the project Since COVID-19 , face-to-face visits have been reduced , unless they could be facilitated in an outdoor space , or where social distancing and national guidelines can be implemented .
This has led to an increased engagement in antisocial occupations such as alcohol use and gambling , subsequently leading to an overall reduction in motivation and participation in physical activity .
During summer 2020 , as an occupational therapist who led on this project , I developed questionnaires for our clients to explore their interest in increasing their physical activity . As a result , a small group of participants were identified for a cycling group .
Once costings had been identified and a proposal was created , we were soon successful in receiving funding and were able to commence a weekly group in October 2020 , facilitated by myself and two colleagues .
Each week we would plan who would facilitate the group and meet every Wednesday at Ride On with four to six clients . The group entailed a two-hour ride along riverside paths and cycle trails , always stopping somewhere for a coffee . Those attending the cycle group each week are all living in the community following a discharge from hospital , supported by DCFS .
The cycling group has played a significant part in rehabilitating DCFS clients , who have experienced limited social interaction during the COVID-19 lockdown . In fact , since the first lockdown , it has become the highlight of the week for many participants .
According to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists ( 2017 ), preventing reoffending requires developing a sense of belonging and a valued social role , in addition to building relationships that provide practical and emotional support .
This supports the aims of the project , which were not only to promote physical activity , but also to increase social inclusion through peer support .
42 OTnews May 2021