Buckshaw Village pensioners to get new rickshaw community scheme
Chorley MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, helped launch a new community rickshaw initiative aimed to help the local community
Residents of a Lancashire retirement village will be transported on rickshaws, thanks to a new community initiative.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle took part in the maiden voyage which was made possible by a generous donor
Community members living at Buckshaw Retirement Village will benefit from the innovative scheme which means that those with mobility issues can still travel to the shops, park and other places in a cost-effective way. Chorley MP and Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP today visited the village and took a test ride in one of the vehicles.
The large-scale community initiative in Buckshaw Village, which is located on the edge of Euxton between Chorley and Leyland, came about through collaboration between HICA Group, a not-for-profit organisation which exclusively manages it, and Buckshaw Community Church, local businesses and other members of the community. Two rickshaws were purchased after a fundraising campaign inspired by Andrew Kesiak, Community Pioneer at Buckshaw Retirement Village who thought they could bring many benefits to residents, staff and local members of the community.
A large number of the residents at the retirement village are unable to walk far or cycle so this provides a perfect way for them to travel around their local village. The rickshaws enable them to get out and about and integrate with other members of the community who are being encouraged to volunteer to drive the rickshaws, chauffeuring residents and their carers to the park, local supermarket, or simply a ride out to enjoy some sunshine.
The event saw Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP speaking with residents and HICA employees, sampling a rickshaw ride and talking to other local community businesses, groups and the general public. Activities on the day included a raffle alongside other interactive events and welcomed local businesses and people from the wider community.
The rickshaws cost £4,500 each with GA Pet Food Partners in Chorley donating £500 towards the cause. A further £1,000 came from the local Tesco Community Fund and the remaining amount was donated by a member of the community who wishes to remain anonymous.
Julie McGlough, health and wellbeing manager at Buckshaw Retirement Village, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to introduce the rickshaws to our residents and the local community. They’ll prove an invaluable tool to not only residents, enhancing their physical, mental and social wellbeing, but to everyone else who is part of the local community.
“By volunteering to cycle a rickshaw or take a resident and member of staff on a local tour, we can promote a more socially active and integrated community where people come together regardless of their age, gender or status, to connect, interact and establish new friendships. If you’d like to get involved in our rickshaw activities, please do get in touch.”
Buckshaw Retirement Village has recently undergone an expansion, opening a new suite, consisting of 16 bedrooms, to house more residents. Residential care and support includes a range of luxury studio and one-bedroom apartments which the company says “provide the highest level of comfort and care”. The Grange Suite also features new communal areas where residents can socialise with one another and their loved ones.
Terry Peel, CEO at HICA Group, said: “It’s wonderful to bring everyone together to celebrate the official arrival of the rickshaws to Buckshaw Retirement Village. The rickshaws represent partnership, unity and cross-community collaboration that we hope will bring the local community closer together and encourage social integration across all ages, genders and community groups.
“It’s a great occasion for Buckshaw Retirement Village which has undergone a recent expansion to accommodate more members of the local community, providing a high quality of supported living. We’re now on the hunt for local community rickshaw volunteers so if you’re interested, please let us know.”
