Fundraiser
The Black Dog Ride is an annual motorbike ride, designed to raise awareness of depression, in an effort to stop suicide and help people deal with depression.
Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews started the event in 2009 after his best mate Jack Michael's wife Anna committed suicide. Steve's own mother had also committed suicide.
"At the wake of Anna Michael, Steve felt the need to raise community awareness of depression, to create a national conversation so that people living with mental ill health feel able to talk about and seek help."
The above is an excerpt from Steve's website www.blackdogride.com.au under the about section -
http://www.blackdogride.com.au/view/about
On Steve's first solo ride around Australia in 2009 (now many riders make the trip), he took a black soft toy dog named Winston.
Winston was named after former UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) who first used the term 'black dog' to describe his own depression, many years ago.
Steve raised $34,000 on that first ride, and the money was used to support the 'Suicide Call Back Service'.
In brief, the service provides immediate telephone counselling and support in a crisis.
Suicide Call Back Service's website is www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ where you can find out more information about this very important service.
The number for Suicide Call Back Service is 1300 659 467. This is a 24/7 service, and has an online facility as well.
As groups of motorcyclists travel around Australia, and around various states in state rides as well, the Black Dog Ride, NSW group ride visited Broken Hill last week on 30-31 July 2014.
The riders took over the sign of 'The Black Lion' Inn and renamed it 'The Black Dog' Inn.
Here's their tweet about it -
Another depression and anxiety mental health service, which also assists people in a mental health crisis is Beyond Blue - www.beyondblue.org.au . Their 24 hour help line is 1300 22 4636.
Safe riding, cheers, Jane Deany
