Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.
Cycle Against Suicide is calling on people to join its Bike 4 Life event to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.
Best of Luck to all those taking part in #Bike4Life2021 today. Thank you so much for your support.
If you didn't have a chance to sign up for this years #Bike4Life but would like to make a donation you can do so herehttps://t.co/Uy4Y4RYyGK #CycleAgainstSuicide pic.twitter.com/UhZFZ40EJQ— Cycle Against Suicide (@CASuicide) September 10, 2021
Research shows that someone dies of suicide every 40 seconds, and the charity aims to cycle around the world today with funds raised will help their new Community Buddy initiative.
Bike 4 Life will take part virtually this year, instead of an organised event, which aims to help tackle the stigma and raise awareness of suicide.
Our Cillian chats with @CASuicide's Barry Williams as the charity gears up to cycle AROUND THE WORD 🌍 this week to raise vital funds for their Community Buddy Service! 🚴♂️💪 pic.twitter.com/V3mgMgMQKw
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) September 8, 2021
Things are changing around the stigma of mental health in Ireland.
That's according to Barry Williams of Cycle Against Suicide, who told Beat that the pandemic has led to people opening up about their feelings a lot more:
"I think things are changing and things are getting better, but there still is a lot of stigmas, and maybe some families are reluctant to speak about mental health problems within the family."
"I think things are definitely changing within young people, they are more open to talking about their mental health, and that lockdown has thought us it's okay not to feel okay."
The charity says that the 'Bike 4 Life' event is an opportunity for communities across Ireland to talk and connect with each other and spread awareness of suicide and how it can be prevented.
To get involved in todays event or for more information click here
And you can listen to the full interview with Cycle Against Suicide's Barry Williams below:
