25/09/2025
Our Learning Disability Occupational Therapists are delighted to be working in partnership with Mulhern Close (Inspire Wellbeing) and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to promote the use of Inclusive Bikes at Omagh Leisure Centre.
Ann Mellon, along with Caoimhe McDonagh, Occupational Therapists at the Western Trust initiated this joint project to use the bikes to benefit the clients they work with and raise local awareness. Promoting the Inclusive Bikes initiative Ann and Caoimhe explained:
“Occupational Therapists recognise that as well as being beneficial for overall physical and mental well-being, activities such as cycling can be regulating for people with a Learning Disability, as they help calm the sensory system and relieve stress and tension. Cycling is also a great activity as it helps individuals understand their body position, movement in space, and improves balance and coordination.
“The Inclusive Bikes promote inclusion and allows individuals who are not able to use a regular bike to experience and enjoy cycling in a safe and welcoming environment, as well as accessing the outdoors.”
Michelle Agnew, Manager of Mulhern Close (Inspire Wellbeing) has found the bikes to be a great opportunity for their residents to feel integrated in the community’s local facilities and become involved in an activity which otherwise might not be available to them. Michelle said:
“We are seeing the benefits of the Inclusive Bikes not only for our residents but their relatives have joined some of the sessions and this has proved to be a fun and rewarding bonding experience.”
Ryan O’Kane’s mum Pauline said:
“The inclusive bikes initiative has had a very positive affect on Ryan’s health and wellbeing. He has really enjoyed being on the bike and gives us as parents the opportunity to experience an activity with Ryan which we haven’t been able to do with our son in a long time”.
Barry McElduff, FODC Chairman attended a session over the summer period and tried out the bikes himself showing off his cycling skills! He is keen to encourage others to avail of this fantastic facility available at our local leisure centre.
