Volunteer Spotlight: Kaushik’s Journey at Parkride
Hi, my name is Kaushik. I volunteer as an Inclusive Cycling Volunteer at Midland Mencap Parkride, and I’ve been here since autumn 2025.
In my role, I help support the participants during the cycling sessions. This includes assisting with getting the participants ready for the ride on the bikes or adaptive trikes, ensuring everyone is safe and comfortable, encouraging them while they ride, and helping with general session tasks. It’s very hands-on and rewarding work.
I’ve been volunteering for about 7 months now. I decided to start volunteering because I’ve always wanted to give something back to the community, and I have an active interest in health and supporting others with physical activities, especially individuals with learning difficulties and physical disabilities. I believe that social inclusion, allowing all to lead fulfilling lives is important and Mencap’s work really resonated with me, so when I saw the opportunity at Parkride, it felt like the perfect fit.
What I’ve enjoyed most is seeing the genuine joy and progress of the riders. Watching someone who might be nervous at the start of a session grow in confidence, smile, and even achieve new things on their adaptive bike is incredibly special. The atmosphere is always so positive and inclusive.
Personally, I’ve benefited a lot too. Volunteering here has boosted my confidence, improved my communication skills, and given me a much deeper sense of purpose. It’s also been a great way to stay active and meet lovely like-minded people. I leave the sessions feeling uplifted and grateful.
The one thing that always stands out for me is when a new participant who is nervous or anxious, suddenly beams with pride after completing a full circuit, unaided, on their adaptive cycle. With moments like this, you could see how much Parkride means to everyone and it serves to remind me why this work is so important. When I’m riding one-to-one with a participant, it’s so lovely to be able to chat with them. I’m sure they find that it adds to the enjoyment as well.
I would absolutely recommend volunteering at Mencap Parkride to others. It’s incredibly fulfilling and you really feel like you’re making a real difference in people’s lives. It definitely brings out your patience, enthusiasm, positivity and empathy.
To anyone thinking about volunteering, I’d say just go for it! You don’t need to be an expert cyclist or have loads of experience. Midlands Mencap Parkride provide great training and support. The team that I work alongside have been incredibly supportive and the working environment is fun and everybody on the team is welcoming and down to earth. The rewards are far greater than the time you give. Even a few hours a week can have a huge impact, both on the participants and on you.
Overall, I’m really grateful to be part of the Parkride team and I look forward to continuing my volunteering for a long time to come.