Cycle for Health

from EBC today, Summer 2022

Mayor of Erewash

People who enjoy cycling, making new friends and getting fit can join free weekly organised bike rides in Ilkeston.

Ilkeston Cycle for Health, supported by Erewash Borough Council, sees volunteer-led bike rides set off every Monday from Straw’s Bridge at 6.45pm.

All you need to do is take your bike, dress for cycling and have a bottle of water. The rides are for people who think they would benefit from getting more active. People encouraged to join the rides are those who may find themselves out of breath after a bit of cycling, or those who like to get off and walk up hills.

The rides last for about 90 minutes and stick mainly to cycle paths and bridleways. The pace of the ride is carefully controlled in order to make sure that no one struggles to keep up.

Councillor Paul Maginnis, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, says: “This is such a fantastic scheme. Not only are the rides free to join but they also are a great starting point for people who are getting back on their bike for the first time in a while.”

Find out more at facebook.com/cycles4health

Taste the difference

A 200 year old Mill has opened as a Community Hub Café in Draycott after four years and 14,000 hours of volunteer-led restoration work.

The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs, joined celebrations to mark the completion of a project which has also seen the restoration of cottages at the site. The derelict building was bought by the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust in 2017 and stands alongside the canal which is being restored with hopes that it will be usable by next year. For more information visit derbycanal.org.uk

Mental health support

A new service aimed at improving mental health across Derbyshire has been launched.

Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Group Service has around 20 peer support groups across Erewash and is looking for new groups and facilitators.

The service aims to help people to improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing; access social networks and peer-support and provide opportunities in their community.

The service offers access to targeted support through one-to-one and group sessions, as well as self-help and peer support groups. It also offers recovery education to help people understand and manage their mental health condition.

The service is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Telephone 01773 734 989 or email DerbyshireRecoveryPeerSupportService@rethink.org For more information visit rethink.org/derbyshirerecovery to find help in your area.