“We need to talk”
Kick-starting conversations to prevent suicide.
This Sunday, 19 March, thousands of motorcycle riders will depart from 32 locations across the country as part of the annual iconic Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer, to kick-start the conversation about depression and suicide prevention.
Suicide prevention is a whole of community issue and this year’s 1 Dayer slogan, “we need to talk” highlights the importance checking in and staying connected with friends, family and colleagues.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44 and is the leading cause of premature death in Australia. Tragically, we lose 8 Australians to suicide every day.
Locally, we lose one Canberran to suicide each week. Lifeline Canberra CEO, Ms Carrie-Ann Leeson believes this is preventable.
“Suicide is mostly preventable. It is through events like these we are able to engage with the community and have conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.”
“Empowering individuals to have tough conversations is something Lifeline does. If you do one thing this year make it a Lifeline Canberra training course. The very life you save may be your own.” said Ms Leeson.
Supporting the local ride, ACT Minister for Mental Health, Mr Shane Rattenbury will be at the event to wish the riders well.
“Suicide is a preventable cause of death that is taking the lives of too many young Australians and too many Canberrans every year,” said ACT Minister for Mental Health Mr Shane Rattenbury.
“We can work to tackle some of the stigma around mental health concerns by taking that first step of having a conversation with those around us, ensuring those around us feel supported in asking for help.
As Minister for Mental Health, I am committed to making improvements in the mental healthcare to ensure that those in need of support can access it when they need it,” said Mr Rattenbury.
The Canberra leg will commence from 8am at Sutton Road Training Centre (441 Sutton Road, Majura ACT). Over 150 Canberra riders will then hit the road at 10am, stopping for refreshments at Braidwood before heading to Batemans Bay to meet with the South Coast leg for lunch at Corrigan’s Beach Reserve.
Motorcycle and mental health enthusiasts are encouraged to join their local ride to help get the country talking. More information, including the full ride itinerary, can be found on Black Dog Ride’s website, www.blackdogride.com.au.
Black Dog Ride began in 2009 as one man’s ride to raise awareness of depression, developing into a national suicide prevention charity involving thousands of Australian motorcycle riders who’ve raised over $2,200,000 for mental health and suicide prevention services.
For support in a crisis, call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14.
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