A cycling group at a women’s homeless shelter in London has been praised for helping boost women’s confidence and provide them with access to areas of society that might otherwise be closed to them, such as community groups and employment.

Sustrans, a UK charity that aims to make it easier for people to walk and cycle, works with Queen Mary Pathway Westminster shelter to provide the cycling sessions for women.

“I now am able to explore our city’s parks and green spaces on my bike,” said Brandy, a woman who has lived at the shelter for two years. “Cycling helps me relax, stimulates my mind. It also makes me a bit tired in the evening, which means I can get a good night’s sleep.”

The hostel wanted to take a more holistic approach to helping women in the shelter improve their mental health, and physical activity – including cycling – has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety and depression. After the success of a 10-week pilot project, the cycle club has now received £10,000 funding to continue for another three years.

Read more on this story at The Guardian.

Women’s Daily Dispatch: The news you need to know on 6/4/18