Cycle Against Suicide’s Annual Cycle 2018

Help break the cycle of suicide by joining Cycle Against Suicide’s Annual Cycle 2018.

Registrations are now open for Cycle Against Suicide’s annual cycle, which takes place from 28 April 2018 – 7 May 2018. Cycle Against Suicide is an initiative to raise awareness of the help and support networks that are available to people across Ireland that are battling depression, self-harm, at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide.

Each year, Cycle Against Suicide brings together cyclists with different backgrounds and stories to help break the cycle of suicide in Ireland. Since 2013, the event has seen over 15,000 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’.

The official 2018 route schedule and map are now live – the 2018 cycle is the biggest and best event yet. The route will pass through 17 counties and 67 towns, stopping at 40 locations throughout the 750 km route, rallying hope and support in localities around the nation.

Over 800 people die by suicide on the island of Ireland each year; 800 families and communities devastated; 800 lives cut short. The power of the cycle and its message is something that brings families, communities, organisations, schools, individuals and cyclists of all abilities together with a common purpose of ending the cycle of suicide in Ireland today. Each year, Cycle Against Suicide aims to engage more and more communities to begin a conversation about mental health; about looking after ourselves and reaching out to each other.

Speaking on the launch of the 2018 cycle, CEO of Cycle Against Suicide, Caroline Lafferty commented; 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.

At Cycle Against Suicide, we are working with the people of Ireland to break down these barriers working to increase awareness of the support networks and treatments that are available to empower those affected.  Mental health illness like any other illness is treatable.

While some progress has been made in terms of prioritising mental health, the continued impact of the stigma surrounding this issue remains at large.  Our cycle is an opportunity not just to raise awareness of the many services available to those in pain, but also acts as a shining example of support for our fellow community members, proving there truly is strength in numbers, and we hope the sea of orange shows that no one should be afraid to seek the support of others.

Register as a cyclist, volunteer or homestay provider today and together, shoulder to shoulder, let’s break the cycle of suicide in Ireland. 

Cycle Against Suicide 2018 main cycle will take place from Saturday, 28 April 2018 – Monday, 7 May 2018. Register your support at http://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/get-involved/2018-cycle/