DONNED in black jackets, Black Dog riders from across the state cruised through Mount Gambier yesterday, raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
Part of a national annual event to raise funds for services and organisations at the frontline on mental illness, the ride brings together people of all ages and backgrounds from across the country on a mission to help those affected by the “black dog”.
Leaving Adelaide on Tuesday, the South Australian team this year travelled to the Blue Lake city on the way to Tasmania to meet up with other riders from across Australia, visiting organisations and service clubs along the way and sharing their message.
Black Dog Ride South Australian representative Merv Storton has been involved with the ride for six years and said the Australian community had become more open with discussing mental illness.
“When I first started doing the ride, I thought we had this massive problem with mental health and suicide, but that mountain seems to be growing,” he said.
“More people are putting up their hands and saying ‘I acknowledge that I have a mental illness’.
“It is good people are accepting the fact they are in a bit of trouble, but it is sad there are so many people suffering.”
This year the main beneficiary will be Even Heroes Need a Hand, with funds going towards providing defence and emergency workers with mental health first aid training so they can identify and respond appropriately to a colleague in crisis.
The aim will raise $300,000 for the cause, with any extra going to organisations such as Lifeline.
Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services are available on 131 114.
