Get on your bike and feel good, says NW charity boss

The boss of a Londonderry mental health charity has reiterated the old maxim that a health body equals a healthy mind whilst encouraging people to get on their bikes to feel physically, mentally and socially better.

Mickie Harkin explained that Action Mental Health New Horizons Foyle has received £8,692 from Awards For All Northern Ireland, to help them introduce a new cycling initiative, entitled ‘Life Cycle,’ which provides groups with the opportunity to either reengage with cycling or try it out for the first time.

Mr Harkin said it will help improve physical health, which is known to have a positive effect on mental and emotional well-being in many cases.

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The AMH New Horizons Foyle service manager explained: “We are all prone to being physically unwell due to certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet and alcohol misuse, which can often result in weight gain and other negative physical impacts.”

Mickie Harkin.Mickie Harkin.
Mickie Harkin.

He added: “We’re hugely excited to be launching the Life Cycle project this summer and welcome all of our clients to get on their bikes and enjoy the great outdoors with us.”

The AMH Life Cycle project seeks to encourage Foyle service users to integrate physical activity into their daily routine and benefitting from all the positive mental, physical and social benefits associated with it by taking part in a series of four 10 week cycling programmes.

AMH Life Cycle project offers clients the opportunity to: build cycling confidence and highway code knowledge learn basic bike maintenance, repairs, and pre-use road checks; make new friends and join group rides in Foyle; adapt healthier lifestyle options; access bikes on weekends on an individual or group basis.

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The AMH Life Cycle project is available to clients of AMH New Horizons Foyle. To take part, email Mickie on [email protected] or call 028 7137 3502. For more information please visit: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/northernireland

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