Suicide risks highlighted at Phoenix Park cycle event

UP TO 100 supporters of Cycle Against Suicide took to their bikes in the Phoenix Park last week to raise awareness of the risks of suicide.

The event held during World Suicide Prevention Week saw the supporters cycling around the park to contribute kilometres to the ‘Cycle the Globe’ international initiative – World Suicide Prevention Day’s global challenge to collectively cycle over 40,000 kilometres.

Organised by Cycle Against Suicide supporter, Dermot Wheatman, it’s estimated that the 100 Cycle Against Suicide supporters contributed over 1,500 kilometres in the Phoenix Park cycle.

Following the event, family and friends of those who have been affected by suicide came together for the ‘Lighting of Lights’ – a poignant moment on World Suicide Prevention Day that honoured all of those who have lost their life through suicide.

The charity and its supporters came together to encourage awareness of suicide prevention in a bid to help alleviate the stigma surrounding what is a major public mental health issue.

Lighting a light for their son, Fergus who died by suicide in 2010, Joe and Catriona Dixon from Gorey attended the event to demonstrate their support for suicide prevention.

“In Ireland, at least one person dies by suicide every single day,” said Caroline Lafferty, CEO of Cycle Against Suicide.

“With hundreds of people dying through suicide and thousands more who contemplate it, we all have a role to play in collectively address the challenges that suicide presents.

“Throughout the week we’re immensely proud that individuals, schools, workplaces, clubs and communities participated in our inaugural Bike4Life Cyclothon.

“Together with our supporters’ efforts we have helped build community around a common cause, suicide prevention.

“The Lighting of Lights, our Phoenix Park cycle and the Bike4Life Cyclothon have all been supported by groups and individuals in memory of all who have lost their life through suicide.

“Collectively, we cycled in solidarity with the global community in a bid to change the narrative around suicide and promote suicide prevention.”

Established in 2013, Cycle Against Suicide’s mission is to create a culture were suicide and mental health stigma are replaced by hope, understanding and accessible help.

The charity is working in schools and communities to break down barriers around mental health and change perceptions.

Cycle Against Suicide’s main cycle takes place at the end of April annually and in six years has seen over 20,000 cyclists take to the roads to help spread the message that ‘It’s OK not to feel OK; and It’s absolutely OK to ask for help’.

For more information on Cycle Against Suicide, visit www.cycleagainstsuicide.com.