It was a case of putting the pedal to the metal at West Belfast’s Brooke Leisure Centre as mums from the South Eastern Trust, in collaboration with the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership’s Walkie Talkie group, turned out to raise awareness and funds on Suicide Prevention Day.
Participants took to their spin bikes for a 12-hour virtual cycling adventure, putting in the shift to cover the distance from Donegal’s Malin Head to Cork’s Mizen Head.
The yearly event saw South Eastern Trust Health Visitor, Natasha Higgins put in an impressive 6k effort as she described how important it was for her and the mums from the walking group to support such a worthwhile initiative.
“We are here to support the spinathon as part of our Walking Group. The Colin Neighbourhood Partnership organises this event every year to mark Suicide Awareness Day. It is just so important to support an initiative such as this.
“The message is very clear and that is for anyone, who is in crisis, to reach out. Our Mums are here pedalling away with their babies cheering them on and it is great to see such a turn out and such support for this event.”
Also lending their support to the spinathon was South Eastern Trust, Health Development Specialist, Lead for Mental Health, Emotional Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention, Laura McAllister who added how, “There is so such support for this cycle and the efforts that everyone is putting in to raise such vital awareness.”
“The message we want to get across is for anyone who is suffering that is help is available. Do not suffer in silence and don’t be afraid to reach out, speak to your GP or contact Lifeline.
Colin Neighbourhood Partnership‘s, Community Development Officer Umberto Scappaticci shared how the yearly event is, “Always so well supported by the community.”
“I run the local Men’s Shed in the area and my message is for those men, for anyone who is experiencing crisis, to talk. If you are feeling down, please tell us how you are feeling. It is important that we raise awareness around suicide prevention. The Colin area has suffered a lot through suicide over the years. We want people to understand that help is out there.”
Umberto continued, “We are giving Lifeline cards to those people who are coming into the Leisure Centre today and we are signposting them to their number, their helpline which is 24 hours, seven days a week.
“If someone is in crisis give this number a ring. You never know when someone will experience crisis.
“You are never alone.”