OTnews_May 2021 | Page 44

FEATURE ACTIVITY
Will Page , head of charity at Ride On , said : ‘ We are really enjoying working with the NHS and its patients on this project , and to clearly see the impact that it ’ s having on their lives . The happiness on the faces of the riders when they come back into our yard is a joy to see . So many people across Devon could benefit from discovering the freedom that cycling can bring .’
Overcoming the challenges and looking ahead During the period that the group ran , at times , rain and cold temperatures could have created barriers for participation .
However , in anticipation of colder weather we offered people the use of waterproof coats , shoe coverings , gloves and bike lights . One week we offered a bike maintenance session in the workshop due to poor weather , and on other weeks we changed the start time of the group to accommodate for predicted weather changes .
Despite this , everyone always arrived on time and fully engaged with the group and stopping for a coffee half way definitely helped to keep us warm .
This cycling project has proved to be extremely valuable during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 , highlighting the possibilities of developing therapeutic and occupation focused groups , especially during these difficult times .
We hope to continue working with Ride On and Active Devon . Our hope would be for the group to develop so that we are able to provide this opportunity during the summer for more of our clients that we work with across the region .
References
Feighan M and Roberts AE ( 2017 ) The value of cycling as a meaningful and therapeutic occupation . British Journal of Occupational Therapy , 80 ( 5 ): 319 – 326
As occupational therapists , we are experts in helping others to maintain health and wellbeing , but sometimes it ’ s easier to advise than to practise what we preach . Now , during this COVID-19 crisis ,
RESOURCES we need more than ever to look after ourselves to ensure that we can keep helping the people we support . Access RCOT ’ s health and wellbeing resources at : www . rcot . co . uk / coronavirus-covid-19-0
Public Health England ( 2020 ) Health matters : physical activity – prevention and management of long-term conditions . Available online at : www . gov . uk / government / publications / health-matters-physical-activity / health-matters-physicalactivity-prevention-and-management-of-long-termconditions [ accessed on 12 January 2021 ]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( 2012 ) Physical activity : walking and cycling . Public health guideline . Available at : www . nice . org . uk / guidance / ph41 [ accessed on 12 January 2021 ]
Royal College of Occupational Therapists ( 2017 ) Prisons : The value of occupational therapy . Fact sheet . Royal College of Occupational Therapists . Available online at : www . rcot . co . uk / sites / default / files / Occupational % 20therapy % 20 within % 20prison % 20services . pdf [ accessed 5 May 2021 ]
Chloe Rosser , senior occupational therapist , Devon Community Forensic Service , email : chloerosser @ nhs . net . With thanks to Amy Burdett , senior occupational therapist , and Brendon Pollard , peer support worker , within Devon Community Forensic Service , for helping to facilitate the cycle group and being a significant part in making this project happen , along with Ride On and Active Devon
44 OTnews May 2021
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