Cycling events help Rochdale gear up for disability awareness week

Hot on the heels of the Tour de France, cycling enthusiasts packed out Number One Riverside to have a go at accessible bikes and other sporting activities as part of National Disability Awareness Week.

The event was organised by Rochdale Council and Link4Life to highlight the fact that disability is no barrier to sport and show people the huge range of support services on offer in the borough.

As well as cycling, activities taking place during the week included boccia, a type of bowling, circus skills and drumming.

Visitor Matt Hadfield (17), who has been disabled since birth, said: “I regularly go ghyll scrambling, climbing and kayaking with Hopwood Hall College and it does surprise people that I can do that. I always say ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

“I think events like this are good because they give people an insight into disability and I’d definitely encourage anyone with a disability to get in touch with Link4Life and get involved in the many activities they offer.”

As well as sports and activities, a number of stalls were on hand to offer advice. These included help on how to use personal budgets, which allow anyone who gets financial support from the council’s adult care team to make their own decisions about how to spend this money to get the care they want.

The Carers’ Resource also talked to visitors about the help and support available to carers, while the Home Improvement Agency demonstrated how assistive technology works to help people stay independent for as long as possible. Rochdale Boroughwide Housing was also on hand to talk to people about the new extra care facility which is set to open at Hare Hill in Littleborough next year.

The Mayor, Councillor Carol Wardle, who attended on the day, said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic event. It’s really opened my eyes to what’s available and it’s nice to see how much Rochdale is doing to help people with disabilities.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about disabled friendly sporting activities is asked to contact Link4Link4Life’s Disability Development Officer, Graeme Hill, on disability@link4life or phone 01706 926203.