Cross-country cycle on a mission

CYCLE Against Suicide 2019 will begin this Saturday, April 27 at Westmanstown. 

The cycle will travel through Tullamore, Nenagh, Limerick, Listowel, Killarney, Mallow, Cashel, Kilkenny and Kildare before finishing in Westmanstown on May 6.   

Cycle Against Suicide is an initiative to raise awareness of the help and support networks that are available to people battling depression, self-harm, at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide.

At the launch with lead sponsor of the cycle, Iarnród Éireann, the organisation also announced a new social media initiative. 

The #ItsOKNotToFeelOK Challenge will invite people to show their support for and promote mental health awareness by taking a photo of themselves holding a poster of the Cycle Against Suicide slogan, #ItsOKNotToFeelOK, and posting it on their social media channels, challenging their friends to get involved by tagging them.

Building on the foundation of awareness that the charity has raised through its national and community-based cycles over the years, organisers are aiming to get at least 800 people involved in the online challenge – one person to represent each of the 800 kilometres.

Speaking at the launch, chief executive of Cycle Against Suicide, Caroline Lafferty, said: “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.

“The #ItsOKNotToFeelok challenge aims to dispel this stigma and increase the awareness and prevalence of mental health illness in our society, opening up the conversation around mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

“This challenge and Cycle Against Suicide as an organisation is working to increase awareness of the support networks and treatments that are available to empower those affected.”

The launch of the challenge took place at Connolly Station, marking the announcement of Iarnród Éireann as a sponsor of Cycle Against Suicide 2019. 

As part of this sponsorship, Irish Rail will be hosting a collection day on May 20 to raise funds for the charity. Corporate Communications Manager at Iarnród Éireann, Barry Kenny, said: “Cycle Against Suicide is an initiative that is very dear to our hearts, and Iarnród Éireann is delighted to be this year’s lead sponsor. 

“Our employees have been involved in the cycle for many years and are extremely passionate about the work that this charity does.”

Go online and visit the website www.cycleagainstsuicide.com for more information and details on the cycle.