Recovery Riders, the brainchild of BSc (Hons) Critical Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy student David Moss, won in the Team of the Year and Patient Safety Improvement categories at the Nursing Times Awards.
The incredible life changing project was described by judges as “a genuine grassroots initiative, which has had a profound impact on service user outcomes.”
The patient rides see service users grow in confidence in the fresh air while exercising and aiding their recovery journey.
David said: “Recovery Riders was inspired by my own experience with paternal post-natal depression.
“As well as medical treatment and therapy, cycling was an important part of my own recovery and the project used these three concepts as a base,
“We saw through Recovery Riders how cycling helped incredibly vulnerable people drop their defence mechanisms and open up about issues by providing an outlet away from the inpatient environment.
“It changed my view on effective treatment of mental health conditions, highlighting how social inclusion and empowerment can be effective tools outside traditional medical models of care.”
David devised the programme with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust staff nurse Oliver Field. Supported by nurses on the ward at Ormskirk Hospital, David and his colleagues secured input from Lancashire Police, Unison and Halfords to provide bikes, equipment and clothing.
Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy, John Marsden, said: “David’s project embodies the values we cherish and promote at Edge Hill University.
“It’s wonderful to see him making a difference in his local community and applying the knowledge and skills he’s learning on his degree. “
Maria Nelligan, Chief Nurse and Quality Officer at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, added: “I’m so incredibly proud of our Recovery Riders project and all the nursing team involved in delivering such wonderful person-centred care.”
The Nursing Times Awards bring together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent in the profession and recognise those making nursing innovative, patient-focused and inclusive.
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November 23, 2022
