Hawaiian Ride for Youth encourages mental health conversations at Busselton schools

About 40 cyclists rode into Busselton as part of the annual Hawaiian Ride for Youth, delivering an important message to young people about speaking up and seeking help for mental health.

The group formed part of a larger contingent of 150 riders in three pelotons, cycling 700km from Albany to Perth across March 24-28.

Along the route, they visited schools — including Georgiana Molloy Anglican School in Busselton and Cape Naturaliste College in Vasse — to share personal experiences with mental health challenges and raise awareness of available support services.

Cyclist Phil Renshaw has taken part in the ride for the past 16 years and said his motivation was his brother, who took is own life.

“It was out of the blue,” he said.

“We knew he had physical pain, we didn’t know the mental anguish he was facing and when he took his own life, mental health wasn’t something that people spoke about.”

Mr Renshaw now shares his story with students to help break down stigma and encourage open conversations.

“Mum and dad are there, your brothers and sisters, school teachers, friends . . . there is somebody that you can talk to who will listen to you,” he said.

“Never pass up the opportunity to say, I’ve got an issue.

“Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength, a sign of courage, to be able to stand up and say ‘I need some support’.”

Since the event began in 2003, the Hawaiian Ride for Youth has raised over $36 million and helped thousands of young people access Youth Focus’ mental health support services.

Youth Focus chief marketing officer Jill Downard said the cyclists trained for six months before the event and for some it was their first time hopping on a bike.

“This ride raises funds and awareness for our Youth Focus mental health services across WA and in particular, that we deliver in this region,” she said.

“Our services are available in schools and in locations throughout the South West and the Great Southern.

“If anyone knows a young person who might need some support, then our services are one of the places that they can look to for that support.”

Cyclists enjoyed a free stay at Broadwater Resort — which sponsors the ride each year — during their Busselton leg, with a cocktail night hosted and personal stories shared about their reasons for supporting the cause.