This blog is written by Vishal Shah, Championing Social Care Organising Committee member and Vice-Chair of Care Home Open Week.
It’s time to grab your helmets, dust off your bicycles, and embark on a remarkable journey that combines cycling, camaraderie, and compassion.
We are now days away from the launch of the inaugural Great British Care Cycle Relay, a celebration of the care services that are at the heart of every community. Care Home Open Week also coincides with World Wellbeing Week, and what a better way to combine the two than getting on a bike and visiting care homes around us. The relay not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but helps raise the awareness and profile of care in our communities. Join me and so many others in this incredible relay and be a part of this heart-warming endeavour.
What is the Great British Care Cycle Relay?
The Great British Care Cycle Relay is a monumental cycling event that aims to raise awareness of social care in the United Kingdom. As part of Care Home Open Week, this relay will cover close to 300 miles from Manchester to London, bringing together colleagues, supporters, and families to promote the incredible care services at the heart of every community. Starting in Manchester, participants will pedal through picturesque landscapes as they fly the social care flag high and visit care communities along a route through Chester, Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Telford, Solihull, Evesham, Banbury, Aylesbury, Rickmansworth and finally into London.
The Power of Community: Together we Cycle, Together we Care!
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Great British Care Cycle Relay is the unification of communities along the route. Whether you join us for one of the legs (c.20-30 miles) or join us for the day (c.50-60 miles), there is a route for everyone as we pass the baton on to support a collective nationwide effort to shine a spotlight on care.
Register and Make a Difference
The Great British Care Cycle Relay welcomes participants of all cycling abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, there’s a place for you in this incredible event. To register, visit the official website at here and sign up today and join a leg of the relay near you. By doing so, you’ll not only embark on a memorable adventure but also help raise awareness of the incredible services and people that live and work in social care.
Join the Welcome Receptions
As the relay progresses through different regions, we will be providing a big cheer and warm welcome to the cyclists. The Great British Care Cycle Relay will stop at care homes along the way where a welcome reception will be ready. These gatherings provide an opportunity to connect with fellow colleagues, share stories, and enjoy the contagious enthusiasm that radiates throughout the relay. Details about the specific locations and timings of the welcome receptions are below:
| Location | Date | Care Home Stop | Arrive | Depart |
| Manchester | 26th June | Chorlton Place Care Home Manchester M16 8LT | 08:00 | 09:00 |
| Chester | 26th June | Belong Chester Cheshire CH1 3AD | 12:00 | 14:00 |
| Wrexham | 26th June | Chirk Court Wrexham, LL14 5ND | 17:00 | |
| Wrexham | 27th June | Chirk Court Wrexham, LL14 5ND | 08:00 | 09:00 |
| Shrewsbury | 27th June | Oxbow Manor Care Home Shrewsbury, SY2 6QH | 12:00 | 14:00 |
| Telford | 27th June | Priorslee House Care Home Telford, TF2 9NN | 17:00 | |
| Telford | 28th June | Priorslee House Care Home Telford, TF2 9NN | 08:00 | 09:00 |
| Solihull | 28th June | Eastcote Park Care Home Solihull, B92 0JA | 12:00 | 14:00 |
| Evesham | 28th June | Cavendish Park Care Home Evesham, WR11 3DX | 17:00 | |
| Evesham | 29th June | Cavendish Park Care Home Evesham, WR11 3DX | 08:00 | 09:00 |
| Banbury | 29th June | Julie Richardson Nursing Home Banbury, OX16 5HT | 12:00 | 14:00 |
| Aylesbury | 29th June | Hulcott Nursing Home Aylesbury, HP22 5AX | 17:00 | |
| Aylesbury | 30th June | Hulcott Nursing Home Aylesbury, HP22 5AX | 08:00 | 09:00 |
| Rickmansworth | 30th June | Burford House Care Home Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, WD3 5SQ | 11:00 | 12:00 |
| London | 30th June | Loveday Abbey Road London NW8 0AA | 14:00 |
Why should you participate?
The Great British Care Cycle Relay presents a unique opportunity to merge your passion for cycling with shining a positive spotlight on the care services in our communities. By joining this incredible event, you’ll not only experience the joy of cycling through stunning landscapes but also contribute to the betterment of social care in the United Kingdom. So, register today, pedal alongside like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact on the lives of those who deserve our care and support. Together we Cycle, Together we Care!
