Let's Talk Ride From Perth to Warrnambool
Midland, WA
Full artical courtesy of The Standard Warnambool
Taking on new challenges to help spread the word for Let's Talk is crucial to mental health nurses John Parkinson and Mark Powell.
They will embark on a bike ride from Perth to Warrnambool on Wednesday, with 10 riders and six support staff, to raise awareness of mental health and the need for people to communicate when they are experiencing difficulties.
Mr Parkinson said it was important to talk to a range of different groups in the community.
"We know the prevalence of anxiety and depression isn't isolated to one group, it is spread right across our community," he said.
"Wherever there is a group of people, it's all about the conversation
"And that's the clincher, it's about talking.
"The more we get involved in the local community, the more people will seek help because the stigma will be broken."
Mr Powell said there needed to be a shift in the cultural attitude towards mental health.
"People should not suffer unnecessarily," he said.
The ride will cover a total distance 3280 kilometres, with the longest single day a gruelling 385 kilometres between Nullabor and Ceduna.
Mr Powell said he had been overwhelmed by all of the community support for the ride.
A celebration will be held at the completion of the ride on Sunday, March 24, starting at 2pm on the Civic Green in Warrnambool. Mr Powell said the riders would finish by 3pm "come hell or high water".
Cyclists can join the group and ride the final 100-kilometre leg from Hamilton into Warrnambool on March 24. Riders can register their interest on the Let's Talk Facebook page.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
