Free 'trishaw' rides to help tackle loneliness

Friends Nadine Bainbridge and Marion Clarke were among the first to try the trishaw

A service offering people free rides on a "trishaw" to help tackle loneliness has started on a seafront.

A three-wheel bicycle has been adapted to fit two passengers and will serve people over the age of 50 in Sunderland, running three times a week over summer.

It is being run by Age UK Sunderland, which said a series of pilot runs had already been a success and it was planning to increase its fleet later this year.

Nadine Bainbridge, 54, who suffered from depression and was among the first to travel on the trishaw, said she had been given a "lifeline" after meeting new people.

"I have found a part of me again that was lost and thought I'd never find again," the Town End Farm passenger said.

Nadine Bainbridge suffered depression after being forced to retire early due to ill health

Ms Bainbridge said she was "lost" after her health forced her to leave work.

"You forget yourself when you’re secluded and then all of a sudden, these guys [volunteers] go 'no, there's more to you', and it's double trouble," she said.

Kitted out with a red leather seat, a canopy and a footrest, the custom-made trishaw will operate along the seafront at Seaburn and in Sunderland's parks.

It will be driven by a team of volunteers, who will be trained to navigate pedestrians along busy promenades and spaces.

Colin Thompson volunteers his time to drive the trishaw

Sixty-year-old Colin Thompson, from Seaham Harbour, said he was delighted to be the first to help out as a trishaw driver.

"It’s been great, getting to meet some lovely clients and seeing people waving, smiling and taking in our beautiful coastline is a win-win – it’s a day out," he said.

"I’ll be the experienced one to come along, and show my colleagues the ropes."

'Important'

Chief executive officer of Age UK Sunderland, Tracy Collins added it was important to come up with a "fun" way to "reduce loneliness and isolation".

"It’s getting them out into the outdoors, many older people have mobility issues and find it very difficult to get out and about," she said.

"They still want to enjoy the great sights of Sunderland so this is a fabulous way to get them out, see our fabulous coastline, enjoy each other and have fun.

“If you want to ride on the trishaw all you need to do is book in."