Dozens of care professionals from across the country took part in the 2026 Great British Cycle Relay earlier this month to shine a positive spotlight on their beloved sector.
Hosted by Championing Social Care, a volunteer group of care leaders, the relay saw groups of cyclists take on five consecutive rides, making stops at pre-selected care homes and providers in Edinburgh, Manchester, Newport, the Midlands and London.
The event began on June 11 and ended at Wandsworth Common Care Home on June 15 to mark the start of Care Home Open Week (CHOW), an annual event which sees thousands of care teams across the country connect with their local communities.
More than 80 cycle enthusiasts took part in the relay, with some riding for a single day and others taking on the full five-day challenge.
Vishal Shah, Chair of Championing Social Care and a keen cyclist himself, was among those travelling the length and breadth of the country.
He said: “The cycle relay is not only a great physical feat, but an opportunity to bring together enthusiastic cyclists from across the sector for an incredible cause. Stopping at various care homes throughout the relay, we’ve experienced countless displays of support and hospitality, while really showcasing our sector in all its glory.”
The Great British Cycle Relay was launched in 2022 to inspire and connect the social care sector.
Each year, more cyclists apply to take part, acknowledging not only the physical rewards but the potential impact of the campaign on the care sector’s reputation among local communities.
Aside from the relay, Championing Social Care also hosts the annual Care Sector Fundraising Ball. Since its launch, the event has raised almost £1.5 million for charities supporting the social care community, including the Care Workers’ Charity.
The volunteer‑led group also runs Care Sector’s Got Talent, a nationwide competition that shines a spotlight on the hidden stars working across social care.
Applications for the 2026 competition are now open and details can be found here.