A funding grant from NHS Western Isles brings joy and happiness’ to our local community

A funding grant from NHS Western Isles has allowed Cycling Without Age Scotland (CWAS) to purchase a trishaw and two e-bikes to enable care home residents to enjoy regular enjoyable scenic trips to different locations.  

NHS Western Isles recently provided £13,500 to the organisation to help improve the quality of life for local care home residents. The grant enabled CWAS to purchase a third trishaw which means there are now two trishaws in Stornoway and one in Harris. The grant also enabled CWAS to purchase two e-bikes to be used by outriders alongside the trishaws.  

Moreen Chlad from CWAS, said: “On a weekly basis our team of volunteers take residents out from local Care Homes. We have been able to take them along routes that are inaccessible by car. The Castle Grounds is a favourite client request and we’ve enjoyed the new coastal path at Steinish on many occasions. We've taken the trishaws on tour to Ness, Borve and Harris so that the wider community can try them out. We are hoping to start a CWAS chapter in Harris very soon.  

“Eventually our hope would be that country areas out with Stornoway could form their own committee and be able to purchase their own trishaw.” 

CWAS is involved with the Monday Stroke Club at the Failte Centre and Neuro Hebrides and both have really enjoyed their outings on the trishaws.  

CWAS also takes private referrals from families who would like to use the service.  

Moreen added: “We were extremely grateful for the very generous grant that we received from NHS Western Isles. The trishaws are a wonderful asset to our community and all our clients love their time out with us. We also get a huge amount of enjoyment when we are out with our new friends.  

“Thank you again to NHS Western Isles for the very generous contribution to CWAS which has enabled us to bring some joy and happiness to our community.” 

NHS Western Isles Medical Director, Dr Frank McAuley, said: “The wellbeing of our communities, and in this case of the older generations, is vital to every individual’s health and quality of life. NHS Western Isles was delighted to have been able to support this very worthwhile organisation, which provides an invaluable service and most importantly brings a smile to people’s faces.”