200 cyclists pass through Harvey for 20th Hawaiian Ride for Youth, raising awareness about youth mental health

A record number of cyclists will pass through Harvey for the 20th Hawaiian Ride for Youth as they raise awareness about youth mental health and suicide prevention across regional Western Australia this week. More than 200 riders left Albany on Tuesday for the arduous 700km ride to Perth — including 16 of the original 24 riders who started the event in 2003 — from March 22 to 26. The Hawaiian Ride for Youth has raised $26 million since its inception, with the money raised helping Youth Focus to provide free professional counselling and suicide prevention education to young people in WA. Hawaiian Ride for Youth chair Christina Matthews said the event not only raised important funds for Youth Focus but provided a conduit for young people to openly discuss mental health and wellbeing, particularly in regional WA. “This year marks a special milestone for the Hawaiian Ride for Youth, our 20th event,” Ms Matthews said. “The impact of the event, the funds raised and the lives touched over this time is immeasurable. “Not only does the ride raise money to support young people in WA, but it is a fundamental platform that facilitates important conversations about youth mental health and the challenges faced by young people today.“ “Every person who has been involved in the ride over its 20-year history feels an immense sense of pride and achievement, not only on a personal level for accomplishing such a significant physical feat but more importantly the roles we have played in working towards the betterment of young people in our State. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows 58 young people aged between 15 and 24 — more than one every week — took their own lives in WA in 2020, making it the biggest killer of young Australians. Youth Focus chief executive Arthur Papakotsias said the Hawaiian Ride for Youth was a key event in Youth Focus’ fundraising calendar that contributed essential funds to youth mental health services in WA. “We cannot overstate the importance of the Hawaiian Ride for Youth in supporting YouthFocus to ensure we can reach as many young people as we can,” Mr Papakotsias said. Youth Focus said it is the only specialist non-government youth mental health service in WA and works to prevent suicide and improve the mental health of young people aged 12 to 25 through free counselling and community education services. Last financial year Youth Focus said it supported 4599 young people with free professional counselling and another 7696 people through school and community education programs at 48 schools. To donate or for more information visit the website.

200 cyclists pass through Harvey for 20th Hawaiian Ride for Youth, raising awareness about youth mental health

Subscribe today.

Everyday Digital

Weekend Papers + Everyday Digital