People with a bike to donate should contact Martin Lowe or Linda Fraser or on 01786 446913
Unwanted bikes stored in sheds and garages across Forth Valley are being urgently sought to help patients with mental health problems pedal their way to fitness and beat the blues.
Stirling Mental Health Resource Centre, which operates from Kildean Hospital in Stirling, is hoping to start a cycling group in April. In addition to roadworthy machines suitable for adults, safety equipment excluding helmets is also needed.
NHS Forth Valley Staff Nurse Martin Lowe said: "People with mental health problems can have physical problems too. Sometimes the side effects of their medication mean weight gain. Getting on a bike is an ideal way to shed the pounds and improve mood. Sometimes mental health patients become isolated so joining a cycling group will be a good way of meeting people."
The resource centre say they are able to pick up any bicycles offered but the bikes will be subject to an inspection to see if they meet safety requirements, and if they need repairs, whether these could easily be carried out.
Cycling lowers the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes. A 15-minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds a year. Cycling also has positive effects on mental health, reducing levels of depression and stress and raising self esteem.