Chocks away for new trishaw pilot scheme

BENEFITS: Angus care home residents are preparing to get on their trike

An initiative at an Angus care home has seen the facility take delivery of a trishaw which they hope will bring a “huge range of benefits” to the residents.

The trishaw, a combination of tricycle and rickshaw, was delivered to Dorward House in Montrose yesterday after a staff-led fundraising campaign brought in over £10,000 for the project.

The vehicle was sourced from Cycling Without Age, an international organisation founded in 2012 which fosters activity for the elderly, as well as caring and volunteering within the community.

Dorward House staff hope that it will bring benefits for the residents, including a greater connection with the local area, feeling the wind in their hair and triggering reminiscences of Montrose, and making happy memories.

The project is seen as a positive collaboration between residents, staff, families and friends, as well as the local community, and the trishaw will be powered by specially-trained volunteers, known as “pilots”.

After the purchase costs of the trishaw have been met, the remaining funds will be used for additional items for the cycle-powered trips including blankets, a picnic set, and high visibility jackets for the pilots.

A spokesperson for Dorward House said: “We are immensely proud of what the staff have achieved.

“This was a substantial amount of money to raise, and was done through a variety of ways including raffles, a staff disco, competitions and online fundraising pages.

“We previously had a trial period with a trishaw, and the residents are really looking forward to having one here permanently.

“We currently have around 20 volunteer pilots, and we hope to use the trishaw almost daily, weather permitting, so it should become a familiar and welcome sight on the streets of Montrose.”

The project has been led by staff members Lavine McMaster and Fiona Grant, whose duties have included recruiting and training the pilots, conducting risk assessments, organising maintenance schedules and sourcing insurance.

The spokesperson added: “Dorward House is immensely grateful to families, friends, staff, residents and the local community for its support, both financial and in the level of involvement in the trishaw.

“We have all been blown away by everyone’s kindness, generosity and genuine excitement about the project, and huge thanks go to the volunteer pilots for giving up their time.”

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We currently have around 20 volunteer pilots and hope to use the trishaw almost daily, weather permitting. DORWARD HOUSE SPOKESPERSON

Picture: Kim Cessford. Staff, board members and community volunteers with the trishaw.