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Cycle Against Suicide have launched Share the Load on the Road, a virtual 670km cycling challenge from April 24th – May 31st that gives everyone in Ireland the chance to support one another.

Share the Load on the Road replaces Cycle Against Suicide’s annual Main Cycle in 2021. For over 8 years, the Main Cycle benefitted people across the country, bringing people together in solidarity and awareness as they cycled a variety of roads around the country.

In keeping that spirit alive during COVID-19 they are encouraging people to get on their bike and explore their county over the next 5 weeks completing the 670km on two wheels. In the spirit of mutual support that the annual Main Cycle has come to represent and to coincide with their recently launched ,Community Buddy Programme, they are asking the people of Ireland and beyond to complete the challenge with your buddy. So, nominate a buddy or buddies to join you and together, Share the Load on the Road!

The funds raised from #SharetheLoadontheRoad, will go towards the training of The ‘Community Buddies’, who can provide free, ongoing support on mental health issues in local communities.

Community Buddies are trained to provide a listening ear and show empathy to those in mental health distress. They are taught how to support individuals so they may take positive, resilience- enhancing actions and adopt positive coping strategies. They are instructed on how to identify individuals with significant levels of distress and how to practically manage such situations by mentoring the individual to seek appropriate professional help.

The cost of training an individual Community Buddy is €400, through this new fundraising initiative CAS are aiming to raise €40,000 to train100 buddies. So saddle up and buddy up to support this challenge. Registration is €15 and includes a t-shirt or rain jacket, find out more or register on the link HERE.