Across the world, somebody dies every 40 seconds by taking their own life. In Ireland, at least one person dies by suicide every single day, according to Cycle Against Suicide. For tens of thousands of people in Ireland any day could be the day they lose their lives, or the life of a loved one, to suicide. In the lead-up to World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, Cycle Against Suicide has been raising awareness of the risks of suicide throughout communities.
As part of the Bike4Life MKM Challenge, Cycle Against Suicide is inviting people in communities across Ireland to become ‘Bike4Life Champions’ and join with them to cycle a million kilometres in solidarity, in an effort to create
“a nation where suicide and mental health stigma are replaced by empathy, hope, understanding and accessible help”, said the organisation.
Cycle Against Suicide’s CEO Ms Caroline Lafferty commented: “The adverse mental health effects of Covid-19 are very real. The pandemic is causing distress and leaving many vulnerable to mental health problems. If ever we needed to come together to ensure we are taking the necessary steps to help maintain good mental health, the time is now. We are encouraging people in communities across Ireland to become involved in our Bike4Life MKM
Challenge. With community cohesion, efforts to prevent suicide can result in impactful support, meaningful discussions and strategies that reduce the rate of suicide and bring an end to the stigma associated with mental health issues.
“People can participate from any location and by any means, either alone or with friends. What matters
is your support and your participation to help raise awareness in your community.”
Full details are available at http://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/bike4life-the-mkm-challenge/ or for further information, please contact Ms Lafferty at Caroline.Lafferty@cycleagainstsuicide.com.
