"It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help."
That's the message Cycle against Suicide is trying to spread this year. From 28 April 2018 to 7 May, they will bring together cyclists from a variety of backgrounds to cycle through 17 counties and 67 towns, stopping at 40 locations throughout the 750 km route between the Republic and Northern Ireland.
The event, which has been backed by Monaghan footballers Rory Beggan, Kieran Hughes as well as Ross County's Aaron McCarey and Burnley's Jeff Hendrick is aimed towards raising awareness for the services available and combating suicide in Ireland. Over 800 people die by suicide on the island of Ireland each year. The power of the cycle and its message is something that brings families, communities, organisations, schools, individuals and cyclists of all abilities together with a common purpose of ending the cycle of suicide in Ireland today.
CEO of Cycle Against Suicide, Caroline Lafferty, said the goal is to break down the barriers surrounding mental health in the country.
We all know someone affected by mental illness, Even now stigma stops people from seeking help. It is due to stigma, fear and lack of understanding that many of us don’t talk about it. At Cycle Against Suicide, we are working with the people of Ireland to break down these barriers working to increase awareness of the support networks and treatments that are available to empower those affected. Mental health illness like any other illness is treatable.
While some progress has been made in terms of prioritising mental health, the continued impact of the stigma surrounding this issue remains at large.
The Cycle Against Suicide 2018 main cycle will take place from Saturday, 28 April 2018 – Monday, 7 May 2018. In this country suicide is the leading cause of death, particularly in young people. The starting point for addressing the crisis is helping people realise the assistance that is available. Participants can avail of a multi-day option which allows people to cycle different stages of the course. This can either be a half day right, 2 days etc, right through to the full 10 days. Register your support here.
