Phil Lynch and Sue Karran both Wexford Soroptimists undertook the Cycle Against Suicide Malin to Mizen Challenge in May 2022 raising over 6000 euros for the charity. Cycle Against Suicide, a national charity – CHY 20867 – aims to raise awareness of the issue of suicide among men this September.  With 3 out of 4 suicides each year being male, there is a particularly pressing need now for a targeted approach to mental health awareness, education and suicide prevention among young and middle-aged men in Ireland: https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/White-Paper-Male-Suicide-in-Ireland-factors-and-high-risk-groups.pdf 

Between World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th and World Mental Health Day, October 10th, Cycle Against Suicide are utilising events to mobilize people across Ireland to come out in support as they call for: 

  • mental health awareness campaigns to increase men’s mental health literacy.  Access to information on mental health awareness is key to helping men recognise the signs of mental illness, show concern, and determine the right time to seek help. 
  • Awareness campaigns reframing masculinity. Men’s conformity and adherence to so call traditional masculine norms impacts their experience and expression of mental health difficulties leading to a range of negative outcomes, including social isolation and reduced help-seeking behaviour.  
  • Mental health support services and suicide intervention campaign. To raise awareness of the mental health support services available to men would help normalise mental health and give men the tools to address their mental health without stigma. 

Cycle Against Suicide is asking women across Ireland to mobilize in support of our campaign and with their sons, fathers, husbands, friends and colleagues to join our events with the message ‘Its OK not to feel OK; and it’s Absolutely Ok to ask for Help’ and have sent a letter to Minister Mary Butler: https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Letter-Mary-Butler-TD-1.pdf 

 Cork Spinoff – Saturday September 3rd  https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/event/cork-spin-off-3rd-september/

 Coast to Coast/Dublin to Galway – Saturday September 10th/11th: https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/event/coast-to-coast/ 

 Portugal -N2 Challenge -end to end Portugal- September 30th to October 7th: https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/event/cycle-the-n2-in-2022-portugal-end-to-end/